Government Cracks Down on Theft and Mismanagement in Health Sector

The Zambian government has tightened its grip on corruption and mismanagement within public health institutions, following a forensic audit that exposed widespread theft in the country’s medical supply chain. So far, 75 individuals have been arrested, with 27 already convicted.

In a joint press briefing, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Hon. Jack Mwiimbu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, and Minister of Health Hon. Elijah Muchima outlined the audit findings and the decisive actions taken.

Minister Mwiimbu revealed that investigations were carried out at 401 health facilities nationwide, uncovering multiple violations of the Medicines and Allied Substances Act and the Penal Code.

“Of the 75 individuals arrested, 27 have already been convicted and fined in accordance with the prescribed legal penalties,” he stated.

In a related development, three former Directors of the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) have been detained for violating procurement procedures between January 2023 and December 2024. Their misconduct resulted in wasteful expenditure and the acquisition of substandard medicines that failed to meet the mandatory 80% shelf-life threshold. The trio is expected to appear in court soon.

The Office of the Auditor General has completed its forensic audit into the theft of medicines across public institutions, and the findings have been handed over to security agencies.

“With the report now concluded, Zambians should expect more arrests. There will be no sacred cows,” Mwiimbu assured the nation.

The countrywide clampdown is a demonstration of Government’s commitment to stop the theft of medicines.