Government Releases More Funds To Provide Medical Supplies

The government has shown its commitment to providing medical drugs and supplies by releasing 90% of the K3.4 billion it had allocated to the sector.

The funds reflect President Hichilema's government’s commitment to fulfilling its manifesto promise of ensuring equal access to good quality, safe and efficacious medical supplies at all levels.

The announcement came during a speech by Sylvia Masebo, read on behalf of the Defence Minister, Ambrose Lifume, at the 41st Pharmaceutical Society of Zambia meeting which was held in Lusaka on Friday.

The announcement reiterated the government’s support for providing healthcare and outlined that the funds will facilitate both emergency supplies as well as provide contracts for medical providers as a long-term policy aimed to stabilise the country’s medical supply chain.

The Minister offered her personal assurance that concerns over the drug system had been met with solutions.

She outlined that the public centres will be able to pay dividends directly to suppliers who have been awarded contracts to initiate deliveries to ZAMSA.

Further, she explained her hopes that pharmacists will be able to submit a communique to the government to help formulate policies that ensure that drug supply is maintained as well as pushing for the promotion of pharmaceutical manufacturing in Zambia.

The Vice President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Zambia, Jummy Hangoma, has thanked the government for creating the new position of Pharmaceutical Services Directorate.

Mr. Hangoma also outlined his personal commitment, as well as the commitment by all pharmacists to assist the government to meet the goal of providing equal access to medical supplies.

Photo: Lusaka TImes