Call for Reform

Muvombo Winter

.... MDI urges government to address Pharmacist Shortages in Zambia

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (08-11-2024) - Winter Muvombo, Founder and Managing Director of the Muvombo Development Initiative (MDI), has called for urgent reforms in Zambia's healthcare sector, particularly advocating for the increased deployment of pharmacists nationwide.

Muvombo told journalists at a media briefing that pharmacists play a critical role in the proper distribution and dispensing of medication, stressing that the current shortage of qualified personnel is undermining the effectiveness of healthcare.

“The lack of trained pharmacists compromises medical care, especially when patients cannot access the correct medications,” he said.

MDI's research uncovered significant gaps in Zambia's healthcare system, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

While the country has approximately 3,000 to 3,500 health facilities, fewer than 1,000 pharmacists are available to serve the population.

Muvombo expressed concern that this shortage is leading to an increase in patient referrals, especially from rural communities, where patients are often prescribed medications that are unavailable or improperly dispensed.

“The role of pharmacists is vital between a doctor and a patient. Without a trained pharmacist, patients may not receive the correct treatment, which can result in serious health consequences,” he explained.

MDI has also observed cases where patients were given medications by unqualified staff due to the absence of pharmacists, contributing to rising maternal mortality rates and other health complications.

Muvombo urged the Zambian government to recruit more pharmacists and deploy them to health centers across the country to address these challenges.

He also pointed out the lack of a Director of Pharmacy in the Ministry of Health, a position he believes is essential for the implementation of effective pharmacy policies.

“A Director of Pharmacy is crucial for ensuring that policies related to the pharmacy sector are properly implemented and for developing a strategy to increase the number of pharmacists in the country,” Muvombo said.

In addition to this, Muvombo proposed that the government consider boosting local pharmaceutical production to reduce Zambia's reliance on imported medications.

He referenced countries such as Egypt, where the pharmaceutical industry plays a key role in the economy, noting, “Zambia could benefit from a similar approach to healthcare production, which would improve access to medications and stimulate local industries.”

MDI’s broader community development efforts include constructing schools and providing financial assistance to market vendors in Southern Province.

The organization has also partnered with the UPND to address challenges faced by farmers in Kawamba, ensuring the delivery of livestock to the area.

Muvombo concluded by urging the media to help disseminate this important message and hold government institutions accountable for implementing the necessary reforms.

Concerns are mounting over Zambia’s health sector following the recent removal of the acting Director-General at the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA), which has sparked criticism from government officials and experts calling for more professional and transparent civil service appointments.

Winter Muvombo, a prominent figure within the government, expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision to remove the acting Director-General, calling it a “mockery” of the civil service.

He warned that such actions risk demoralizing public servants and undermining key institutions like ZAMMSA, which ensures the timely supply of medicines across the country.

“This is a political move that threatens the professional integrity of ZAMMSA,” Muvombo stated, emphasizing the need for non-political leadership in the public service.

He urged the government to focus on effective governance and allow professional bodies to operate without political interference.

The removal of the acting Director-General comes amid reports of significant improvements in ZAMMSA’s operations.

Under the former acting head, the agency increased the supply of medicines, with distribution levels rising from 43% to over 85% in some regions.

Muvombo attributed these gains to logistical improvements, including increasing the number of trucks used for distribution from two to five per day.

Despite these successes, Muvombo raised concerns about the alleged manipulation of contracts and procurement processes.

He claimed that powerful figures within Zambia’s political landscape had financially benefited from inflated prices for medicines and medical equipment.

“There are allegations of powerful individuals in Zambia benefiting from inflated prices for medicines and medical equipment,” he said.

He also accused the Ministry of Health of hiding key financial documents that obstruct public oversight.

“The public has the right to know how their money is being spent,” he said, calling for greater transparency and accountability.

He urged the Ministry of Health to take immediate action to prevent the spread of diseases, especially as the rainy season approaches.

Muvombo also voiced concerns over the dismissal of civil servants, citing the case of Luku Alituli, a senior civil servant allegedly dismissed without the required formal documentation.

He described this as a violation of standard government procedures. “It is concerning that such actions are taking place,” Muvombo said.

“Civil servants deserve to be treated with respect, and the proper procedures should be followed.”

Muvombo also raised concerns about the handling of state funds, calling for transparency regarding financial disbursements from 2020 to 2024.

He questioned who authorized the payments and which officials benefited. “It is vital that we understand who authorized these payments and how public funds are managed,”

Muvombo emphasized, stressing that the lack of clarity on these matters was eroding public trust and Zambia’s international credibility.

Muvombo criticized the inefficiency of companies responsible for managing state finances, citing delays in accessing financial records.

He warned that these delays could damage Zambia’s standing with international donors and called for prompt action to address these issues.

Another concern raised by Muvombo was the mismanagement of pharmaceuticals, particularly the distribution of medications by unqualified personnel.

“There needs to be greater oversight to ensure that only qualified pharmacists are involved in dispensing medication,” he stated.

Muvombo reiterated that his advocacy is independent and not politically motivated.

“We are not affiliated with any political party, including UPND,” he stated, emphasizing that his focus is solely on improving governance and transparency in the civil service.

The Management Development Institute (MDI) has taken formal steps to address concerns regarding the misallocation of funds and political interference in government operations.

The organization announced it is filing a complaint with the relevant commission to urge corrections. 

MDI emphasized the role of engineers in providing guidance to government institutions, but ultimately, the decision to accept or disregard such advice lies with the institutions themselves.

MDI also called for transparency and urged journalists to investigate the claims surrounding the misallocation of funds, stressing the importance of holding public officials accountable. 

“It is crucial that we understand how public funds are being managed, and the media has a vital role in ensuring accountability,” MDI said.

Winter Muvombo, a key figure within MDI, acknowledged potential disruptions, particularly with the appointment of a new Director General (DG) and the approaching elections. 

“If political interference and misallocation of funds are not addressed promptly, the public will react negatively,” Muvombo warned. 

MDI advocates for decisions that prioritize the public interest to avoid voter dissatisfaction.

MDI is awaiting further investigations and has indicated that it possesses evidence to support its claims, which it plans to release in due course. 

MDI also expressed gratitude to the media for their ongoing coverage and encouraged journalists to continue their work in collaboration with MDI for the public good.

Muvombo acknowledged challenges within the organization, particularly regarding the setting up of plans and progress in certain tasks. 

Despite some uncertainty and lack of experience in certain areas, he expressed a commitment to working through these obstacles and remaining focused on the bigger picture.