The Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency- ZAMMSA- has received the first of the three batches of medical supplies from Egypt following the initiated government to government procurement of bulk stock of essential medicines and medical supplies between the 2 countries under the contract sum of US$24 million.
Receiving the medical supplies at ZAMMSA Warehouse in Lusaka today, Health Minister Sylvia Masebo represented by Permanent Secretary Administration, Christopher Simoonga said Zambia has received 307 palates of medicines and other medical supplies weighing 58 tonnes of 85 different medicines and medical supplies.
Ms. Masebo says this is meant to quickly respond to the shortages of some key essential medicines and medical supplies in health facilities.
She says the arrival and subsequent distribution of the commodities will create an immediate impact and increase availability of medicines to over 90 percent from the current below 70 percent that has been negatively impacting quality health care services.
And Egypt Deputy Ambassador to Zambia Noha Samir is hopeful that the medical supplies will meet the expectations of Zambian consumers.
Meanwhile, ZAMMSA Board Chairperson Anna Chifungula says a further 8 items of controlled medicines will be shipped to Zambia this week while 21 containers of medicines and medical equipment will be shipped by sea in the next two months.
