The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Zambia (PSZ), Keegan Mwape, has responded to the Health Minister Dr. Elijah Muchima’s recent comments regarding the issuance of prescriptions, stating that prescriptions are legal documents and cannot be avoided, even when medicines are reportedly abundant in hospitals.
Mwape, commenting on Dr. Muchima’s observation that prescriptions were still being issued despite the availability of medicines, emphasized the importance of prescriptions as part of a formal and legal process in accessing medicines in both public and private health facilities. Mwape explained that no health facility, regardless of its resources, can guarantee 100% availability of medicines and medical supplies at all times. Thus, prescriptions remain essential, even in circumstances where hospitals have sufficient stock.
“A prescription is a legal document that a person is supposed to use in order to access drugs, both from public as well as private facilities. It is a critical part of the healthcare process,” Mwape said, stressing that these documents serve as a safeguard for both patients and healthcare providers. He also highlighted the importance of adhering to legal protocols to avoid potential risks or misuse of medications.
Mwape further addressed concerns about theft or mismanagement of medical supplies, noting that the law is clear on how such issues should be handled. “If there are people stealing drugs, the law is very clear. Let us alert them so that they face the consequences of their actions,” he stated, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of pharmaceuticals.
While Mwape acknowledged the government’s efforts to improve the availability of medicines in health facilities, he warned against undermining the legal and professional standards set by the prescription process. By ensuring that prescriptions remain a mandatory requirement, the government can prevent misuse, over-prescribing, and other potential issues that could arise in the absence of proper documentation.
Mwape’s comments serve as a reminder that the healthcare system operates within a framework of legal and ethical guidelines, and that any deviation from these practices could have serious ramifications for both patients and the healthcare system at large.