Secretary to the Treasury Felix Nkulukusa has described the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) as a failed project, citing deep-rooted inefficiencies and corruption within the system. He emphasized that simply changing the agency’s management would not be enough to address its problems, as the entire structure needs a complete overhaul.
Speaking during a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing on Tuesday, Nkulukusa was responding to concerns raised by Members of Parliament regarding ZAMMSA’s procurement of medicines with a short shelf life. Lawmakers questioned why the agency continued to purchase drugs that expired quickly, leading to wastage of public funds and shortages in healthcare facilities.
Nkulukusa attributed the issue to widespread pilferage within ZAMMSA, stating that corruption was present at all levels, from top management to lower-ranked employees, including drivers.
“The issue of the procurement of medicines, most of it with short shelf life, the major challenge we’ve had, and I’d want to say, sometimes when we fail, we should admit…the ZAMMSA project, I could only describe it as a failure,” he said.
His remarks come amid growing public outcry over drug shortages in hospitals and clinics, with many Zambians struggling to access essential medicines. The Treasury Secretary’s acknowledgment of systemic failure at ZAMMSA underscores the need for urgent reforms to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the procurement and distribution of medical supplies.
Nkulukusa’s statement has reignited calls for government intervention to restructure ZAMMSA and restore public confidence in the country’s healthcare supply chain. It remains to be seen what measures will be implemented to address the challenges plaguing the agency.