ACE Pharmaceutical Limited acknowledges the public interest and media queries regarding our project to supply ambulances to the Zambian Government. As a trusted partner in advancing healthcare solutions, we remain committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in all our operations. Below, we address the key issues raised to provide clarity on the matter and dispel unsubstantiated stories:
1. Clarification on CFO’s Travel
Our Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Surjit Sahani, left Zambia on 12th November 2024 to attend a private function and other business matters in India well before the ambulance project gained media attention. Mr. Sahani is neither a fugitive nor a runaway and is expected to return to Zambia in January after the festival holidays. We challenge anyone to provide credible evidence supporting claims that Mr. Sahani left the country the week before the PAC hearing on ambulance procurement.
2. Managing Director’s Non-Affiliation with Aqueous Investments
ACE’s Managing Director, Ms. Panetta Masala, has no ties or affiliations with Aqueous Investments, the other awarded bidder, contrary to social media reports suggesting that she is a shareholder in Aqueous Investments. To this day, neither ACE nor the Managing Director are aware of the owners of Aqueous Investments. Any claims suggesting otherwise are unsubstantiated. We encourage media houses to conduct due diligence with PACRA, where clear evidence will validate our position.
3. ACE Pharmaceutical’s Registration Status and Corporate History
ACE Pharmaceutical Limited is a wholly citizen-owned company, registered in early 2022 under PACRA registration number 120220030337. Contrary to speculations, companies registered under Zambian law are required to file their first returns after one year of operation. ACE is, in fact, nearly three years old.
4. Clarification on Garden Address
ACE has a warehouse facility for storing and wholesaling pharmaceuticals on a larger scale. This facility ensures efficient distribution and storage of critical medical supplies to meet national healthcare needs. Social media reports suggesting that ACE runs a retail pharmacy outlet in Garden Compound are not only false but also malicious, aiming to tarnish our corporate image.
As a company, we will continue to leverage good government policies and seize opportunities available to citizens in our quest to contribute to the nation’s economic building agenda. Currently, we are actively expanding our operations to support Zambia’s healthcare infrastructure. To this end, we are in the process of establishing a new facility in the Multi-Facility Economic Zone near the airport, which started in August 2024.
5. Previous Ambulance Tenders
Over the years, ACE Pharmaceutical Limited has participated in several tenders for ambulance procurement through open international and national bidding. Unfortunately, these attempts were unsuccessful for various reasons, some outside the control of bidders. ACE will continue to participate in public tenders while upholding the Government’s procurement policy of competitive pricing, quality, and timely delivery. Under the current project, ACE is nearly 25% cheaper than previous prices offered for the same units.
6. Urgency of Procurement and Capacity to Deliver
Our understanding is that the Government’s need for ambulances became urgent after over a year of unsuccessful procurement attempts, during which no contracts for supply were awarded. Consequently, several companies, including ACE, were shortlisted and re-invited to submit bids. Due to our competitive pricing and proven track record, ACE emerged as the most viable supplier and was awarded to supply 78 units.
For the record, ACE has adequate financial capacity to deliver on this project. In fact, the company has already paid more than what has been received as advance payment from the government on this project to our suppliers.
7. Progress on Ambulance Delivery
ACE has already provided the Government with shipping documents for the ambulances currently en route to Zambia. Additionally, 18 ambulances were shipped prior to the project gaining media attention and are expected to arrive before the end of the year. The remaining units are under production and will be delivered as scheduled.
8. Competitive Pricing and Proven Quality
ACE was the cheapest bidder in the recent tender, without compromising on quality. Our ambulances, equipped with high-grade medical features, are already available for inspection at ZAMMSA premises. ACE does not engage in overcharging and stands by its commitment to delivering affordable, high-quality products.
9. Challenges with Chassis Supply
The supply of ambulance chassis is beyond our direct control, as they must first be delivered by Toyota to our conversion specialists before being shipped to Zambia. We are actively coordinating with our partners to ensure timely delivery despite these logistical challenges.
ACE Pharmaceutical Limited reaffirms its commitment to supporting Zambia’s healthcare system through the delivery of life-saving medical equipment. We are confident that this project aligns with our mission to enhance access to quality healthcare services and serve the public interest.
We encourage the public and media to verify all facts and remain open to constructive dialogue. Our focus remains on fulfilling our obligations to the Government of Zambia and delivering on our promise to the Zambian people.
