The Ministry of Health has announced decisive administrative action at the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) aimed at improving efficiency, accountability, and integrity in the management of medicines and medical supplies.
Health Minister Dr. Alex Katakwe has, with immediate effect, revoked the appointment of ZAMMSA Board Member and Pharmaceutical Society of Zambia President, Keegan Mwape. The Society has since been requested to nominate a new representative in accordance with its governing Act.
In addition, several senior ZAMMSA officials have been suspended to allow for administrative and investigative processes to proceed. Those affected include:
- Justine Mulimo – Manager Procurement Medicines / Acting Director Procurement
- Diana Musa – Senior Procurement Officer / Acting Manager Medicines
- Brian Mununka – Senior Officer Procurement
- Rachel Msimuko – Senior Manager Supply and Planning / Acting Director Supply Planning
- Roosevelt Kyanamina – Senior Manager Warehousing and Distribution / Acting Director Warehousing and Distribution
The Ministry stated that acting appointments have already been made to ensure continuity of operations and to reinforce procurement, supply planning, and distribution systems within the agency.
Dr. Katakwe has further directed the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to urgently institute investigations into the matter involving the suspended officers.
Government has reiterated its firm stance against inefficiency, negligence, and misconduct in the health sector, stressing that the uninterrupted supply of medicines and medical supplies remains a top priority.
Authorities have assured the public that measures have been put in place to prevent any disruption in service delivery during this period.
The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public resources and ensuring the delivery of quality and equitable healthcare services to all citizens.
Reactive as usual
ZAMMSA corruption and thefts are rampant for a long time because the rot starts at MoH where bosses take actions to benefit themselves- they connive with local suppliers. DEC and ACC investigations of these suspended procurement personnel should also include the directors of private suppliers who give them the bribes.