WE agree with President Hakainde Hichilema that the critical shortage of drugs in our public hospitals is unacceptable.There is absolutely no justification considering that money has been voted for the purpose.According to President Hichilema, the money has been sitting in bank accounts while those responsible for the procurement functions either play politics or try to manipulate the tendering process to their personal financial benefit.It is cruel and indeed unacceptable that hospitals have been made to run without essential drugs that are readily available in the country all because the officials harbour political grudges against local suppliers and manufacturers preferring instead to buy from abroad. This is an abuse of power and authority that has led to loss of lives.In a well-functioning administration, such conduct would merit serious censure, sackings and even criminal prosecution.We however still hope that a serious investigation by a credible institution will be carried out and such acts should be subject to censure […]
Unacceptable drug shortage
