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The Pharmaceutical Society of Zambia (PSZ) has called for urgent reforms and stronger accountability mechanisms in the country’s pharmaceutical supply chain, condemning all acts of theft and misappropriation of medicines and medical supplies.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, PSZ President, Keegan Mwape, said such malpractice undermined the integrity of the health system, jeopardizes patient safety, and erodes public trust.
“Regardless of who is involved, these acts must be addressed decisively,” Mwape stated.
He urged authorities to make the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) audit report on the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) publicly available—particularly to professional bodies like PSZ—to enable informed contributions to the reform agenda.
Mwape noted that the Society has followed with concern various reports in the media, including investigations by the U.S. government, which led to the suspension of US$50 million in medical aid to Zambia.
“We are aware of the ongoing discussions around the forensic audit of ZAMMSA, but PSZ has not been granted access to the report. Without it, our ability to provide technical guidance is limited,” he said.
Mwape expressed hope that the audit would serve as a catalyst for long-overdue structural and operational reforms at ZAMMSA, and he commended President Hakainde Hichilema for initiating the audit as a sign of commitment to transparency in the health sector.
He also emphasized the urgent need for a substantive Director General (DG) to be appointed at ZAMMSA, highlighting that the agency has experienced instability due to frequent leadership changes and non-transparent appointment processes.
“ZAMMSA is a specialized institution requiring technically competent leadership. Zambia has a strong pool of pharmacists trained in pharmaceutical supply chain management who are well-qualified for the role,” he added.
Mwape called on Minister of Health, Dr. Elijah Muchima, to ensure the next DG is a qualified pharmaceutical supply chain expert and that a functional governing Board was put in place to oversee the agency.
“Appointing a Director General without a governing Board undermines transparency, accountability, and strategic oversight,” he said.
In addition, Mwape urged the Ministry to appoint Boards for the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) and the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ), stressing that these institutions play a critical role in protecting public health.
“Without strong, independent Boards, the effectiveness and public trust in these regulatory bodies are significantly compromised,” Mwape said.
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