Inside the Ministry of Health Scandal: The Power and Influence of a Cartel in Zambian Health Affairs
By Justine Mooya Samu Lya Moomba
11th November 2024
In a shocking revelation, disturbing details have emerged about a powerful cartel allegedly operating within Zambia’s Ministry of Health, with deep-rooted influence and control extending into the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA).
The cartel, comprising influential figures tied to high-profile government contracts, is said to operate with the blessings of key officials and to control procurement and supply decisions to favor certain companies and individuals.
The unfolding scandal centers around two prominent figures in the alleged cartel: Mr. Malindi, owner of the medical supply company Tachmed, and Kuso Kamwambi, a member of the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU).
This duo, with close ties to key decision-makers within the Ministry of Health, has reportedly exercised their influence to control procurement deals, including the hiring and firing of key personnel.
Sources indicate that Mr. Malindi, who often claims to be the cousin of the President, has repeatedly used this position to pressure government officials, including Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, Permanent Secretary (PS) of Technical Services, to comply with the cartel’s demands.
This partnership allegedly wields significant power, with Ms. Kamwambi at State House reportedly aiding Mr. Malindi to shape policy decisions and oust those who resist their influence. Together, these two form the operational backbone of the cartel within the health sector.
At the center of the controversy is Mr. Justine Mulimo, Acting Director of Procurement at ZAMMSA, who has allegedly faced significant pressure from Mr. Malindi to comply with cartel-led procurement preferences. Mr. Malindi, unsatisfied with Mulimo’s diligence and his refusal to approve certain questionable procurement contracts, has reportedly demanded that Dr. Lishimpi remove him from his position.
A meeting was reportedly held over the weekend, where it was decided that Mulimo would be fired on Monday, 11th November 2024. Sources suggest that Mr. Jacob Masatunya from the Eastern Province procurement department is slated to replace Mulimo, marking yet another alleged move by the cartel to consolidate their control within ZAMMSA.
A Disturbing Pattern of Manipulation and Influence,The recent decision to fire the ZAMMSA Director-General, which was made public by the Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Elijah Muchima, has raised further questions.
According to insiders, this decision may have been influenced by the same cartel, aiming to install a more compliant individual who would facilitate the cartel’s procurement agenda. Meanwhile, Minister Muchima has faced criticism for allegedly aligning with the cartel, as he reportedly prioritized their interests over the concerns of other ZAMMSA stakeholders and the public.
In a peculiar twist, the Minister reportedly traveled to Ethiopia over the weekend with the wife of Mr. Malindi, which sources claim was intended to strengthen his ties with the cartel. This has raised eyebrows within government circles, as it is seen as compromising the integrity of the Ministry’s decision-making.
The ZAMMSA agency, tasked with ensuring the reliable distribution of medical supplies, has faced ongoing disruptions since the cartel allegedly began interfering in its operations. Past officials who resisted the cartel’s influence, such as former Director Billy Mweetwa, were reportedly sidelined or removed to pave the way for more malleable leaders. Similarly, Commissioner Nyasulu, who succeeded Mweetwa and maintained an independent stance, also found himself at odds with the cartel’s agenda.
The infamous Egyptian Gold Scandal, involving the questionable handling of government-to-government procurement, highlights the extent to which cartel influence has plagued the Ministry of Health. Those who have attempted to implement transparent processes have reportedly faced retaliation from the cartel, whose members leverage their connections to protect and expand their interests.
International donors have also expressed concern over the state of affairs at ZAMMSA, raising questions about the preparedness of the agency to prevent the mismanagement that resulted in a controversial case involving 61 containers of medical supplies. Despite assurances from interim ZAMMSA leadership that the agency’s operations were improving, recent statements by Minister Muchima appear to have undermined this message, leading to the dismissal of the current Director-General.
The alleged involvement of Tachmed in securing contracts for medical supplies, alongside Aasee Pharmaceuticals, raises further questions about whether the procurement process has been compromised. Aasee Pharmaceuticals recently supplied essential ambulances under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), and now seeks to monopolize additional supply contracts.
When interim ZAMMSA Director Aulituli opposed sole-sourcing of these contracts, he, too, faced opposition from cartel members.
The allegations against Mr. Malindi, Ms. Kamwambi, and others in the cartel paint a troubling picture of an institution under siege, manipulated by individuals who prioritize personal profit over public service. This manipulation risks undermining the very mandate of ZAMMSA, which has yet to fully recover from the string of disruptions and political interference.
Zambia’s Ministry of Health may require extensive reforms to restore accountability and transparency to its operations. The Pharmaceutical Society of Zambia and pharmacy unions have expressed a strong desire for change, calling for an investigation into the influence wielded by the cartel and a review of procurement practices at ZAMMSA. They seek to ensure that ZAMMSA fulfills its purpose without undue interference and serves the public as intended.
As the scandal continues to unravel, Zambia stands at a crossroads. Will the Ministry of Health take bold steps to dismantle the cartel and restore integrity to its institutions, or will it allow vested interests to further consolidate their hold on ZAMMSA and its operations? The nation awaits answers, as the actions taken in the coming days will determine whether Zambia’s health sector can regain its footing and serve its people with the transparency and accountability they deserve.