The Medicines Research and Access Platform (MedRAP) has raised serious concern over the continued lack of clarity surrounding over 60 medical containers ordered by the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA), which were reportedly discovered in a private warehousing facility under conditions deemed unsuitable for the storage of medicines and medical supplies.
In a press statement MedRAP notes that although a forensic audit was conducted, there has been no explicit public disclosure explaining how the containers ended up in private hands.
The organisation further observed that the audit report does not clearly state whether the containers were retrieved, disposed of, or remain under investigation.
MedRAP has emphasised that the matter involves public resources and directly impacts the integrity of the national medicines supply chain, making it an issue of significant public interest that demands transparency and accountability to maintain public confidence in the health system.
MedRAP Executive Director, Liyoka Liyoka, has called on the Ministry of Health to publicly clarify how the containers came to be stored in a private facility, state their current status, provide an official update on investigations, outline actions taken or to be taken, and identify and hold accountable any individuals or entities found responsible, including communicating any legal actions pursued.
MedRAP warns that failure to decisively address the matter risks setting a negative precedent and may signal weaknesses in oversight and accountability within the health supply system, urging Government to come out clearly and explicitly in the interest of transparency, accountability, and the protection of public health.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani
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