WHERE IS THE MEDICINE
Most people who frequent government health facilities know that there are no medicines there. This is despite assurances from the top most government office, that of the President, that a year’s supply of drugs and medical supplies had been procured.
This assurance during President Hakainde Hichilema’s address to Parliament surprised many people who use government hospitals and clinics because they know from experience that there are no medicines there.
So where did the President get the impression and information that medicine was available in hospitals. Who is lying to the President?
And recently Presidential spokesperson, Anthony Bwalya joined the debate on availability of medicines in hospital by asking the Ministry of Health as well as Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) to procure drugs immediately because money was available.
Mr Bwalya said the Ministry has about K2.7 million in its account for the procurement of drugs, therefore, there is no need for the .delay
The Presidential Spokesperson said it is impossible to build a nation when the people are grappling with health issues.
During the radio, Mr Bwalya noted that it is important that all hospitals are stocked with medicines for the betterment of the country.
He said the treasury has made sure that the funds are available for the procurement of drugs.
Why then is the ministry dithering and cancelling tenders for purchasing medicines? Do they realise that there are many lives at risk because of this inertia.
As Mr Bwalya put it, “the team from the Ministry of Health and ZAMMSA must ensure that medicines are procured and made available in all hospitals.” It is as simple as that or it should be.
But the delay in procuring medicines and other medical supplies is compounding the health situation of the nation. The complaints are mounting and it would be shocking if government officials claimed not to have heard these complaints.
Not surprising therefore that opposition leaders are already attacking government and urging officils to take action to remedy the situation.
Pastor Peter Chanda, New Congress Party (NCP) president is rightly worried and warning government to stop playing politics when it comes to the procurement of drugs because a number of people risk losing their lives due to the drug shortage in the country.
The cancellation of contracts or tenders for the supply of medicine because the suppliers are deemed to be affiliated to the former ruling party has perturbed Pastor Chanda.
The recent cancellation of tender is probably the third one since the UPND took over government amid growing concerns of drug shortages.
The sad part is that while government is busy playing politics, people will be suffering and those without means of buying medicines from private pharmacies, could actually suffer worse consequences.
The ministry of Health should not wait for the President to clack the whip for them to order medicines. They have the money and must therefore do the right thing.
PURSUING JUSTICE AND EQUITY WITH INTERGRITY