Agency initiates K700 million drug distribution to rectify stock imbalances in hospitals

The Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) has started distributing medicines and medical supplies valued at K700 million.

The drugs were acquired through the recent mop-up exercise.

Last month, the Agency granted contracts totaling K700 million to 24 local suppliers for the provision and transportation of health commodities via a mop-up exercise with the objective of promptly rectifying stock imbalances in hospitals providing secondary healthcare services.

Read More: Zambia Medicines body commences distribution of second batch health centre kits

Senior Manager-Corporate Communications, Bradley Chingobe, said in a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday that with the arrival of those critical commodities, the agency had implemented measures to ensure swift delivery to tertiary and level one hospitals within a four week timeframe.

“This will in immediately mitigate the stock imbalances at tertiary service delivery points,” Chingobe said.

He further mentioned that six out of the 14 designated tertiary health facilities in Lusaka province have already received their allocations, constituting 43 percent, with the rest scheduled to receive commodities within the same week.

Chingobe pointed out that stocks for facilities situated in other provinces were presently being dispatched to the respective regional hubs to facilitate smooth and rapid distribution.

“It must be noted that the distribution of stock from the mop-up exercise is being done parallel to the routine orders and last mile distribution of health commodities such as health center kits to facilities as per the ZAMMSA distribution schedule,” he stated.

He stressed that this approach would facilitate the smooth and uninterrupted provision of vital life-saving commodities to communities, thereby advancing equitable and accessible quality healthcare services for the populace.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.