President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to eradicating corruption within Zambia’s medical sector, emphasising that no sacred cows will be spared in the fight against illicit practices.
In a statement issued to ZANIS by State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka, the President stressed that to ensure all Zambians have access to quality medicines, healthcare remains a top priority.
“There shall be no sacred cows in the fight against corruption,” he said.
Mr Hamasaka stated that this underscores the President’s dedication to upholding integrity, transparency, and service delivery in the health sector.
He highlighted that, in line with the President’s principles, an independent audit was conducted by renowned accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
The findings of this forensic audit, which scrutinised the medical supply chain, have been shared with relevant authorities and are currently under investigation.
“Following President Hichilema’s call for a comprehensive, independent forensic audit, the identified issues are now being thoroughly investigated by law enforcement agencies to ensure a just and transparent process,” Hamasaka stated.
He has since assured the public that the results of the investigations would be made available once concluded.
He added that in response to preliminary audit findings, immediate corrective measures have already been taken, including the dissolution of the Zambia Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) management board.
He also cited the advertising of the position of Director General of ZAMMSA to bring in strong leadership and drive institutional renewal, intensified operation by the Drug Enforcement Commission which has already resulted in arrest and prosecution of people diverting government medicines to private markets.
Mr Hamasaka also added that implementing further reforms aimed at strengthening governance and oversight across the sector, including the establishing of the National Drug Taskforce to provide real time monitoring.
He further noted that as investigations continue and reforms are rolled out, the President Hichilema’s administration remains committed to rooting out corruption and ensuring that Zambia’s healthcare system operates with integrity and accountability.
