ZAMMSA Audit Completed, Review and Legal Actions Pending

The forensic audit of the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) has officially been completed, according to Health Minister Dr. Elijah Muchima. The ZAMMSA audit was launched to investigate the ongoing problem of drug theft within the public health system.

Dr. Muchima told Phoenix News that the ZAMMSA audit results are now under review by key stakeholders in the health sector, as well as investigative and prosecutorial authorities. He stated that the objective is to develop solid recommendations to strengthen accountability in the management of medical supplies and prevent future losses.

The Minister also confirmed that legal actions, including possible prosecutions, will follow once law enforcement agencies have fully reviewed and validated the audit findings.

“We must strike a balance between transparency and protecting the integrity of active investigations,” Dr. Muchima explained.

Despite public interest, Dr. Muchima clarified that the final ZAMMSA audit report will not be made public. He emphasized that stakeholders are already examining the document, and that publishing it would not assist in reversing the theft or recovering stolen medical supplies.

The ZAMMSA audit, which began on October 4, 2024, examined the entire medical supply chain, including the receiving, storage, distribution, and usage of medical supplies. The audit paid special attention to shipments funded by USAID and other international partners, following increasing concerns about the theft of publicly funded medicines.

This latest ZAMMSA audit aims to rebuild trust and restore transparency in Zambia’s health supply system.