LOCAL DRUG MANUFACTURERS DEMAND CONTRACT FRAMEWORKS
LOCAL pharmaceutical manufacturing companies have requested for guaranteed long term contract orders to be able to supply, deliver and distribute medicines and other medical supplies.
And the manufacturing companies have prodded Government through the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies (ZAMMSA) to commit to tenders once they are floated.
They said the cancellation and re-advertising of tenders was not only delaying the procurement process but was affecting the timely supply, delivery and distribution of drugs.
Zambia Pharmaceutical Business Forum chairperson, Sadic Seedat said in an interview that some of the local manufacturing companies in the pharmaceutical industry did not have the capacity to deliver 100 percent of the essential drug list because of the timeframe.
He said however that local pharmaceutical companies would easily supply the medicines and other medical supplies if the government had considered awarding long-term contracts as they had the capacity and financial ability to so.
Mr. Seedat said long-term framework contracts in the supply of drugs would create more employment, reduce shortage of drug and increase revenue for the government because the local pharmaceutical manufacturing companies would be able to make profit.
He also said tax incentives are needed for the local manufacturing companies because it was the key element in enhancing sustainability in the industry.
Mr. Seedat said for people to invest into the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, better tax incentives should be given for that would help increase investment and create more jobs.
“Local manufacturing companies should be granted completely total tax reliefs on customs duty and VAT for the imports such as active pharmaceutical ingredients, packaging and materials used in the manufacturing of medicines to enhance sustainability,” Mr Seedit said.
Mr. Seedit has since urged the government through the Ministry of Health to come up with a plan on procurement of drugs as the biggest buyer of the medicines and ensure that they pay on time.