ZAMMSA says payment of K450 million owed to drug suppliers commenced, blames delay on seized containers

The Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) says it has commenced the payment of K450 million owed to suppliers of essential medicines.

ZAMMSA Senior Manager for Corporate Communications, Bradley Chingobe, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, which was made available to Zambia Monitor.

“The move, aimed at boosting the local pharmaceutical industry, will see the immediate payment of around K450 million to suppliers who delivered health commodities between April and July 2024,” Chingobe said.

He noted that the payment had been delayed due to structural changes at the Agency following investigations into the 61 containers of medicines that were marooned at a depot in Makeni.

“It is expected that payment of the initial K450 million will have a positive impact on local businesses and the economy,” Chingobe stated.

Chingobe reaffirmed ZAMMSA’s commitment to promoting economic growth through the support of local businesses.

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