Pharmaceutical Society of Zambia (PSZ) presidential aspiring candidate, Emmanuel Mulenga, has unveiled an ambitious reform agenda aimed at restoring the image, influence, and professional independence of pharmacists and pharmacy technologists in Zambia ahead of the Society’s elective annual general meeting scheduled for 24th to 26th June 2026 in Livingstone.
Speaking during the launch of his manifesto held at Southern Sun Ridgeway in Lusaka, Mr. Mulenga outlined a comprehensive vision focused on rebuilding the credibility of the pharmacy profession, strengthening pharmaceutical leadership within the health sector, addressing the growing employment crisis, and promoting local pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Mr. Mulenga expressed concern over what he described as the unfair blame often directed at pharmacists whenever medicines are stolen or mismanaged, despite most primary healthcare facilities being managed by non-pharmaceutical personnel.
He pledged to establish a strong legal committee under PSZ to defend the integrity of the profession while ensuring individual accountability for misconduct.
He further called for strategic institutions such as the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) to be led by professionals with expertise in medicines management, pharmaceutical logistics, and supply chain systems, arguing that the increasing national medicines budget must be matched with adequate investment in pharmaceutical human resources.
Addressing unemployment within the sector, Mr. Mulenga noted that universities and colleges are producing hundreds of pharmacists and pharmacy technologists annually while public sector recruitment remains significantly low.
He pledged to engage the Ministry of Health, the Presidential Delivery Unit, and cooperating partners to advocate for expanded employment opportunities and equitable deployment of pharmaceutical personnel across the country.
The aspiring PSZ president also emphasized the need for stronger representation of pharmacists within regulatory structures and warned that the profession may pursue self-regulation if pharmaceutical professionals continue losing representation within existing institutions.
On governance and institutional independence, Mr. Mulenga stated that he would not personally sit on any board as PSZ President, saying the Society must remain independent, professional, and accountable to its members and the Zambian people.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Zambia is expected to elect a new executive committee during its Elective Annual General Meeting in Livingstone in June.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani
