MUCHIMA SUMMONS HEALTH DIRECTORS
MINISTER of Health Elijah Muchima has summoned all provincial health directors to a meeting to account for medicines due to the persistent issuance of prescriptions to patients in public facilities.
Dr Muchima regrets that some patients are being given prescriptions despite drugs being in stock in hospitals.
He said Government has made efforts to ensure all health facilities are fully stocked with medicines, aligning with the New Dawn administration’s commitment to providing universal access to healthcare services for all Zambians.
The minister said this when he officiated at the 47th combined graduation ceremony for public and private nursing and midwifery colleges on the Copperbelt.
“Recently I was in Zambezi, where we found patients receiving prescriptions despite medicines being available. What is more concerning is that some of these medicines were nearing expiration.
“I am summoning all provincial medical directors to account for the medicine. Why should patients be given prescriptions when hospitals are fully stocked? That shall not be allowed,” he said.
The minister said over 2,000 nurses and midwives have graduated on the Copperbelt, assuring them that they will be employed.
ZDM