SOME UNREGISTERED PHARMACIES SOLD STOLEN US DRUGS – US AMBASSADOR
By Darius Choonya
US Ambassador to Zambia, Michael Gonzales, has revealed that investigations into the theft of US-donated drugs found that many of the pharmacies selling the stolen medications were not registered.
He stated that in April, the US Embassy provided a list of these pharmacies to the Zambian government.
Speaking during a meeting with the Ministers of Health, Acting Home Affairs, and Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Gonzales urged the Zambian government to disclose what actions were taken regarding the list shared.
His appeal follows the authorities’ confirmation that they are now in possession of a forensic audit report on the drug theft, conducted by PwC.
Last week, Ambassador Gonzales held a press conference to announce that the US was cutting $50 million in health aid to Zambia due to the theft of life-saving medications donated by the US , a decision that has sparked mixed reactions.
The Ambassador further revealed that over 2,000 pharmacies visited across the country sold stolen drugs donated by the American government.
Diamond
Face-saving measures.The US embassy wanted the Ministry of Health to investigate 2000 phantom pharmacies and get a report within three weeks!
Embarassing revealtion. The Prosection team on the matter is left in tatters where the Ambassdor cites the law that should have been applied and too often we let perpetrators who are civil servants go scott free with a slap on the wrist.
Thank you for the clarification Mr Ambassador. We knew that those ministers were just playing to the gallery.