• MQHZ is very disappointed with the acute shortages of drugs in almost all public Clinics and Hospitals.
• The health institutions are now mere consultancy centers.
• Ministry of Health must be held accountable over this very unfortunate situation.

Medical for Quality Healthcare in Zambia (MQHZ) has advised Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) to expedite procurement of drugs and medical supplies in hospitals and clinics to avert the cute shortage of essential medicines.
Organization Director General Dr. Quince Mwabu told Money FM News that according to a survey conducted by MQHZ in the last two weeks, most essential drugs have run out and people are mostly receiving prescriptions.
Dr. Mwabu stated that the health institutions have now become mere consultancy centers, a situation he describes as an assault on the drive for universal health coverage.
“MQHZ is very disappointed with the acute shortages of drugs in almost all public Clinics and Hospitals in the country. These health institutions are now mere consultancy centers. This is an assault on the drive for universal health coverage, and the Ministry of Health must be held accountable over this very unfortunate situation,” Dr. Mwabu said.
He added that Ministry of Health must ensure that essential drugs are readily available in clinics and hospitals without any excuse because Ministry of Finance recently released funds for the procurement of drugs and medical supplies.
“While we appreciate the fact that the Ministry is tackling the pandemic of Covid-19, neglecting other components of the health systems is grave and must be addressed immediately. We have further observed that the shortage of drugs has led to many Death cases because most patients are not able to access the drugs in most public health facilities.”
“If this situation will continue, the country shall record increased deaths, especially among the poor citizens .Drugs must be available in clinics and hospitals without any excuse,” he added.
Recently, Ministry of Finance and National Planning released K217 million meant for the purchase of drugs and medical supplies in the country.