Health Minister Criticizes Ace Pharmaceuticals’ Contract Failures

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Health Minister Elijah Muchima has raised concerns over Ace Pharmaceuticals’ inability to meet its contractual obligations. The company, contracted to deliver 60 ambulances to the Ministry of Health and 156 ambulances under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), has fallen short of expectations, jeopardizing essential healthcare services.

Speaking during a meeting with Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) management on Tuesday, Dr. Muchima expressed frustration with the company’s performance. He disclosed that the Main Procurement Committee (MPC) would soon decide whether to continue with the procurement of the 60 ambulances.

“The failure by Ace Pharmaceuticals to deliver on its commitments is a serious issue. The MPC will have to make recommendations on whether or not we should proceed with this procurement,” said Dr. Muchima.

ZAMMSA’s Financial Challenges

Dr. Muchima also revealed that ZAMMSA’s financial management had been less than ideal, citing the lack of audits since 2019. This has left the agency in a precarious financial position, further complicating its ability to manage and distribute medical supplies effectively.

“The financial standing of ZAMMSA has not been prudent. The lack of audits for several years has made accountability difficult. This must be addressed urgently,” he stated.

Abandoned Projects

Adding to the challenges, Dr. Muchima disclosed that the company contracted to retrieve ZAMMSA’s destroyed server had abandoned the project. The server, crucial for managing medical supplies and tracking inventory, has been out of commission, hampering ZAMMSA’s operations.

“The company responsible for retrieving the server has left the project incomplete. This has created further setbacks in our efforts to streamline operations at ZAMMSA,” said Dr. Muchima.

Government Action

The Health Ministry is taking steps to address these challenges, with a focus on enhancing accountability and ensuring efficient delivery of services. Dr. Muchima assured citizens that the ministry would hold contractors accountable while seeking solutions to ZAMMSA’s financial and operational issues.

“This is a wake-up call for the ministry and all stakeholders. We will not allow these issues to persist. Contractors failing to meet their obligations will face consequences,” he concluded.

The ministry’s challenges underscore the need for systemic reforms in Zambia’s healthcare procurement processes. As the government navigates these hurdles, stakeholders and citizens alike will be closely watching how these issues are resolved and whether promised reforms translate into improved healthcare services for Zambians.