Govt fires all ZAMMSA staff after forensic audit
Govt fires all ZAMMSA staff after forensic audit
Government has separated all members of staff at the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) as part of what Health Minister Roma Chilengi has described as a major reset of the troubled medicines supply agency
Professor Chilengi said the decision follows findings of a forensic audit commissioned by the Office of the Auditor General, which identified serious and widespread weaknesses across the medicines supply chain.
The audit found problems involving procurement, warehousing and distribution, including irregular procurements at inflated prices, unaccounted-for stock, missing system records and the alleged diversion of medicines intended for public health facilities, according to the minister.
Chilengi said the findings pointed to systemic failures across the supply chain and required a comprehensive restructuring of the agency rather than limited administrative changes.
Government has, however, assured the public that medicines and medical supplies will continue to be distributed to health facilities during the transition.
An interim management team has been appointed, while the Ministry of Health will work with cooperating partners and logistics providers to maintain the supply and distribution of medicines.
Chilengi said all separated ZAMMSA employees would receive their dues in accordance with the law.
The ministry is expected to advertise vacancies under a new, leaner organisational structure, with Government saying new management will be put in place as soon as possible.
-The People’s Brief | Chileshe Sengwe