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Government has expressed concern over reports that some patients were being issued prescriptions to purchase medicines from private facilities, despite the availability of essential drugs in public health institutions.
Minister of Health, Dr. Elijah Muchima, said the Ministry’s data indicated that over 85 percent of essential medicines were available in public health facilities across the country.
Muchima described the situation as unacceptable, noting that some medicines were reportedly expiring in storage while patients were being turned away.
He has since directed immediate action to address the problem.
“I have summoned all Provincial Health Directors to take stock of the situation and establish why patients are not accessing medicines that are already in stock,” Muchima said.
He stated that the issue would be thoroughly investigated, and corrective measures would be taken to ensure accountability and efficiency in the supply chain.
The Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to maintaining a steady and equitable supply of essential medicines, emphasizing that the Ministry remained dedicated to improving healthcare access for all citizens.
Muchima also commended the Copperbelt Provincial Health Office for its vigilance in uncovering a fraudulent financial case involving over K2 million, which has since been reported to investigative authorities.
He said the incident served as a strong warning to all accounting and administrative officers across the health sector, underscoring the need for proactive financial oversight and strict accountability.
Muchima directed all Provincial Health Directors to personally review and reconcile their financial accounts regularly, adding that internal auditors and finance teams must ensure transparency by demanding reconciled bank statements and monitoring expenditure closely.
He stressed that the Ministry of Health maintained a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, theft, and financial malpractice.
“As President Hakainde has clearly stated, ‘You will be on your own.’ These acts are committed by individuals, not the Ministry as an institution, and such conduct will not be condoned,” Muchima warned.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare, upholding transparency, and ensuring accountability at every level of service delivery.
The Minister assured the public that the ministry would continue enforcing oversight mechanisms to ensure efficient use of public resources and guarantee that every Zambian receives the healthcare they deserve.
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