Zambia’s Health Minister, Elijah Muchima, has issued a stern warning to the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) over delays in the procurement of 66 ambulances, threatening to cancel the tender if the agency fails to provide a satisfactory explanation for the holdup.
Speaking during a meeting with staff at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) and the Children’s Development Hospital (CDH) on Monday, Dr. Muchima expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in securing the ambulances, which were ordered a long time ago.
“When I was appointed here, we had a first meeting, and up to today, there are stories and stories,” he said. “Tomorrow [today], I’m having a meeting with ZAMMSA. I’m not happy. That’s the reason why we want to restructure some of these procurement functions.”
Cholera Outbreak in Nakonde
Dr. Muchima also disclosed that Nakonde has recorded nine cholera cases in the past 24 hours, underscoring the urgency of addressing Zambia’s health system challenges.
Government’s Procurement Reform
The Health Minister highlighted that some stakeholders were resisting the government’s plans to move procurement functions away from ZAMMSA. However, he emphasized the need for reforms to ensure efficiency and accountability in the health sector.
“The delays we are seeing are unacceptable. This is why we are considering changes to the procurement system to avoid situations like this,” Muchima said.
Addressing Health Sector Challenges
The delayed ambulances are critical to improving Zambia’s emergency response system, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing gaps in healthcare delivery, including the provision of essential equipment and services.
Meanwhile, Dr. Muchima noted the government’s ongoing efforts to combat cholera and other health crises, including strengthening public health surveillance and enhancing the capacity of health workers.
Urgent Action Needed
As the cholera outbreak and delays in ambulance procurement highlight pressing challenges in Zambia’s healthcare system, the Health Minister’s ultimatum to ZAMMSA sends a clear message about the need for urgent action and accountability.
The meeting with ZAMMSA is expected to provide clarity on the delays and determine the next steps for ensuring timely delivery of the ambulances.
