Ministry of Health says it has intensified inspections of pharmaceutical companies contracted to supply medicines to government, amid challenges in accessing foreign exchange.
Minister of Health Madalitso Baloyi said this after she inspected Zanak Pharmaceutical Company in Lilongwe on Thursday and found that the company did not have the full quantity of medicines required under its contract.
Baloyi said government will continue checking suppliers to establish what medicines they have in stock and ensure available quantities are delivered to the Central Medical Stores Trust for distribution to health facilities.
She said the inspections will also cover local manufacturers and other contracted suppliers as government works to prevent medicine shortages in public hospitals.
Zanak Pharmacist In-Charge in Lilongwe, Pearson Chembezi, welcomed the inspection and assured the minister that the company would immediately supply the available medicines, describing the matter as an emergency.
By Chrissy Mwale
