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The Medicines Research and Access Platform (MedRAP) has voiced strong opposition to several proposed amendments in the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supply Agency (ZAMMSA) Amendment Bill of 2024.
MedRAP Executive Director, Liyoka Liyoka, noted that ZAMMSA was established through the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Act No. 9 of 2019, and was now subject to review under the proposed amendments.
Liyoka made these remarks during MedRAP’s submission to the Parliamentary Committee on Health, Community Development and Social Services on Friday at the National Assembly.
According to Liyoka, the proposed changes, particularly those in Section 26(a) concerning emergency procurement, storage and distribution of medicines and medical supplies, would shift significant powers to the Minister of Health.
Under this section, the Minister, with Cabinet approval, would have the authority to procure and manage medical supplies during public health emergencies.
“These amendments are not in good faith,” Liyoka stated. “They are designed to concentrate power in the hands of the Minister of Health, bypassing the authority of ZAMMSA’s board and undermining the agency’s designated functions.”
He warned that such a move would disrupt the procurement and distribution of essential medical supplies, functions that are currently handled by ZAMMSA under a specialised system designed to ensure proper storage and distribution.
“Medicines and medical supplies are not typical commercial goods. Their handling requires professional, institutional, and infrastructural support, which only ZAMMSA can provide. Handing this responsibility to one individual, the Minister of Health, is both ethically wrong and dangerous for the people of Zambia,” Liyoka added.
He also expressed concerns about another provision that would allow the Minister to issue general or specific directions to the ZAMMSA board, effectively overriding its independence.
He recommended that any additional functions needed should be explicitly outlined within the board’s mandate.
Further, MedRAP proposed amendments to the process of appointing ZAMMSA’s board leadership.
Currently, the Minister appoints the Chairperson from among board members.
Liyoka argued that the board should elect its own Chairperson and Vice Chairperson to promote independence and professionalism.
MedRAP also called for an expansion of the board to include experts in international trade, finance and the pharmaceutical business to provide oversight and strategic guidance, particularly in the procurement and commercialisation of medicines and medical supplies.
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