Chileshe Mwango/Chileshe Mwango
The Ministry of Health has refuted media reports indicating that medical drugs worth K166 Million destined for 23 health facilities did not reach their destination.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Kennedy Malama has told Phoenix News that it is unfortunate that the media rushed to report on information that is not yet consolidated.
He explains that what has been reported is a communication to the ministry from the auditor general’s office for purposes of clarification before it is finally published.
A Ministry of Health audit of accounts for the financial year ended December 31, 2020 has revealed that drugs and medical supplies costing over K166 million reported to have been dispatched from medical stores limited to 23 health stations did not reach the destinations as at April 30, 2021.
Meanwhile, the Socialist Party of Zambia says the latest revelations that drugs worth K166 million dispatched from medical stores never reached hospitals shows a serious and deeply rooted thieving in Zambia’s health system.
Socialist party First Vice-President And General Secretary, Dr Cosmas Musumali says the inefficiency levels being exhibited in the management of drugs is retrogressive as it contributes to high mortality rates resulting from inadequate drugs made available in public health institutions.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Dr Musumali says with proper leadership and a political will, it is possible to redeem the country from such mismanagement.
PHOENIX NEWS