Health Ministry Denies Awarding $17m Contract To Non-Existent Company

The Ministry of Health has denied awarding a US$17 million contract for the supply of health centre kits to a company called Honey Bee Pharmacy Limited, which does not exist. 

Health Ministry spokesman Dr Abel Kabalo noted the rumours with concern, explaining that the ministry had awarded contracts to three private companies last year in order to plug a gap in the supply of health centre kits.

One of these companies was Honey Bee Pharmacy. However during contract conveyancing the term ‘Limited’ had been added erroneously, Dr Kabalo explained. 

He added that the contact had in fact been awarded to the correct Honey Bee Pharamcy, with all ZRA certificates and ZAMRA registration documents identifying the company by the correct name. 

He said the contact had been awarded to Honey Bee, as well as two other private suppliers, follow the necessary administrative and legal checks. 

The contracted companies have yet to deliver, however, so no payment has been made to date. 

“The public can take comfort and rest in that the Ministry of Health remains committed to applying utmost fiduciary integrity in its stewardship of public resources, to galvanise our nation’s attainment of Universal Health Coverage”, Dr Kabolo concluded. 

Ministry of Health Spokesman Dr Abel Kabalo