• If the transition happens in good time, it will pave way for interventions to address challenges faced by the institution.
• Will also address operational inefficiencies at the institution.
• The Board has relived MSL Managing Director Chikuta Mbewe of his duties.

Medical Stores Limited (MSL) says it plans to accelerate talks with the Ministry of Health to enhance its transition to Zambia Medicines and Medical Suppliers Agency (ZAMSA).
Addressing the media in Lusaka, Medical Stores Limited Acting Board Chairperson James Kapesa explained that if the transition happens in good time, it will pave way for interventions to address challenges that the institution is faced with, such as the transfer procurement of medicines which is currently overseen by the Ministry of Health.
Mr Kapesa notes that the move will also address operational inefficiencies at the institution.
“The transition of Medical Stores Limited to ZAMSA is a massive commitment by government to address the challenges that we face,” Mr. Kapesa said.
He says the organization is a corporate body whose principle activity is the storage and distribution of efficacious safe medicines and products for public health facilities in line with vision 2030.
“When we unbundle the Vision 2030, we find that prosperity requires health citizenry,” he said”
“Further the National Health Strategic Plan brings out the responsibility of medical stores to carters for bringing quality health care to communities hence the mandate to ensure safe, sustainable and universal health coverage.”
Meanwhile, the Board has since relived Medical Stores Limited Managing Director Chikuta Mbewe of his duties and has appointed Chipopa Kazuma who was Programmes Director to serve as Acting Managing Director until further notice.
“The board also decided to make changes at top management as part of the ongoing process to transition to ZAMSA,” Mr. Kapesa said.
“In this regard, the Managing Director then of Medical Stores Limited has been relieved of his duties and as we speak, a new office holder, Mr. Chipoka Kazuma will be acting for administrative purposes until the board appoints a substantive Managing Director.
Medical Stores Limited has been part of those named in the Honeybee scandal where defective medical supplies were delivered and distributed to health facilities.