Let ZAMMSA board operate freely to forestall ills identified in forensic audit, group tells Health ministry

The Medicines Research and Access Platform (MedRAP) has urged the Ministry of Health to allow the newly appointed Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) Board to operate freely and independently, without political interference or encumbrances.

MedRAP Executive Director, Liyoka Liyoka, cautioned that the Ministry’s role should be limited to policy guidance and oversight through the receipt of reports, while operational governance should be left to the Board of Directors.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, Liyoka said a clear and well-defined institutional strategy, owned by the board, would enable management to effectively implement ZAMMSA’s mandate and improve service delivery.

He said the move also responded positively to concerns raised in the forensic audit, particularly regarding gaps in governance and oversight at the institution.

“We are encouraged that the Ministry heeded advice to temporarily halt the recruitment of the Director General until a board was appointed, and we trust that all subsequent actions will now follow the correct legal and governance processes,” Liyoka said.

He described the development as a step in the right direction and said MedRAP remained committed to supporting reforms that promoted transparency, accountability and effective governance in Zambia’s health sector.

“MedRAP therefore welcomes this long-awaited development and is encouraged to see that the Ministry has finally constituted a Board of Directors in line with good governance principles,” he said.

Liyoka added that the appointment marked a significant milestone in strengthening governance and improving the effective functioning of ZAMMSA.

“We further commend the Ministry of Health for creating an enabling environment for the board to now take its rightful role, including commencing the recruitment of a substantive Director General for ZAMMSA,” Liyoka said.

He added that the development allowed the Ministry to step back from operational matters and enable the board to carry out its functions independently, as prescribed by law.

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