The Veterinary Association of Zambia, the Zambia National Farmers Union, and livestock industry players have rejected the proposed draft amendment to the Medicines and Allied Substances Act.
Speaking at a press briefing, Veterinary Association of Zambia President Dr. Malcolm Chiyoba says the proposed bill does not adequately address the needs and challenges of the veterinary sector.
They have since recommended the establishment of a separate Veterinary Medicines and Allied Substances Directorate with independent regulatory authority under the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.
The stakeholders argue that under the current structure, the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) has struggled to serve the veterinary industry, leading to delays in product registration, lack of technical expertise, and insufficient stakeholder engagement.
The consortium has concluded that the current draft bill fails to recognise the distinct needs of the veterinary sector and risks further marginalising the industry.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani
