The Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) is ramping up efforts to enhance accountability and secure its central warehouse against pilferage, according to Interim Director General Dr. John Kachimba. Speaking during a joint inspection of the agency’s central warehouse on Monday, Dr. Kachimba highlighted the institution’s progress in implementing systems aimed at safeguarding medical supplies vital to the nation’s healthcare delivery.
“As ZAMMSA, we felt it’s important that we have this interaction to give you an insight into the measures we are putting in place,” Dr. Kachimba said. “While the institution remains a work in progress, we have already made significant strides in strengthening our processes to ensure transparency and accountability.”
The joint tour was conducted by members of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) alongside the Parliamentary Committee on Health and Social Services. PAC Chairperson Warren Mwambazi used the opportunity to remind ZAMMSA of its critical role in facilitating timely healthcare services.
Mwambazi emphasized the urgency for ZAMMSA to ensure all ambulances procured under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) are delivered by the end of August. “We want to avoid any further scrutiny or delays that could hinder healthcare delivery to the communities,” he stated.
The Parliamentary Committees’ visit comes amid increased public interest in how medical supplies and equipment are managed, with ZAMMSA tasked to act as a central procurement and distribution hub for medical commodities across Zambia.
By bolstering security protocols at the central warehouse and refining operational workflows, ZAMMSA aims to mitigate losses from theft and improve the efficiency of medical supply distribution to health facilities nationwide.
The agency’s leadership assured stakeholders that continuous improvements and collaboration with parliamentary oversight bodies will be key in achieving a transparent, accountable health supply chain system.
As Zambia continues to invest in its healthcare infrastructure, the effectiveness of institutions like ZAMMSA will play a pivotal role in ensuring quality medical supplies reach every corner of the country without delay.