Parly committee cracks whip on NatPharm

Chipo Sabeta Business Reporter THE Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health and Child Care has vowed to tighten monitoring of purchases and distribution of medicines and surgical sundries at the National Pharmaceutical Company of Zimbabwe (NatPharm).

This comes in the wake of alleged malpractices and delays at NatPharm that have resulted in previous consignments disappearing, while some products expired while still in storage at its premises.

Speaking while witnessing the arrival of a part of a consignment of drugs valued at about $25 million last week, chairperson of the portfolio committee Dr Ruth Labode, said it was important for constant checks and follow-up to ensure drugs and sundries were not misused.

“As of now, I understand NatPharm received a first batch to the tune of RTGS$12 million in essential and vital drugs and more are coming in the next two weeks,” said Dr Labode.

“The most important thing is to follow up on the medication NatPharm received and make sure they have distributed it on time. People are dying out there, they want this medication.”

Dr Labode said her committee will return to NatPharm midMay to monitor the distribution of drugs.

“It will not benefit Zimbabweans all over the country if these consignments are kept here. We have to make sure these drugs are out of this place,” she said.

NtaPharm managing director Mrs Flora Sifeku said they were already working on the distribution logistics of the drugs and surgical sundries.

“This is just the receiving centre for us to record and balance our books,” she said. “These drugs are supposed to be distributed to their respective areas and benefit Zimbabweans.

“We are looking at a week or two to do so. This will also give us more storage space for consignments yet to arrive. Various drugs are coming from Varichem, Greenwood and Pharmanova, among other local manufacturers and agencies.”

Last month, NatPharm was given a limited period to approach the local market to procure the required medicines and sundries using RTGS dollars in a move meant to speed up the procurement process.

Natpharm failed to procure the required items in time due to several pending US dollar-based nostro contracts at its disposal, leading to shortages of medicine and sundries in public hospitals.