FORENSIC AUDIT OF ZAMMSA FINISHED, REVIEW IN PROGRESS

Health Minister Dr. Elijah Muchima has announced that the forensic audit of the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) is complete. This audit was started to look into the ongoing issue of drug theft in the public health system.

Dr. Muchima shared with Phoenix News that the results of the audit are now being reviewed by important people in the health sector, as well as by those involved in investigations and prosecutions. He mentioned that the goal is to create detailed recommendations that will improve accountability in managing medical supplies and help stop future losses.

He also mentioned that legal actions, including possible prosecutions, will start once law enforcement agencies have thoroughly examined and confirmed the evidence.

“We need to keep a careful balance between being transparent and protecting the integrity of ongoing investigations,” Dr. Muchima stated.

However, the Minister made it clear that the final report will not be made public. He explained that the relevant stakeholders are already looking over the document, and releasing it wouldn’t help in reversing the theft or recovering the lost medicines.

The audit, which started on October 4, 2024, looked at the whole supply chain—from receiving, storing, and distributing to the final use of medical supplies. It specifically focused on shipments funded by USAID and other international partners, due to rising concerns from the public and Zambia’s partners about the theft of medicines that were paid for with public funds.