ZIPS reaffirms commitment to Public Procurement Reforms

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The Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply (ZIPS), under the leadership of President Daniel Kabamba, has reaffirmed its advisory role to the Government and reiterated its commitment to supporting policy frameworks that promote efficiency, local participation, and accountability in the management of public resources.

Mr. Kabamba has emphasized the importance of strengthening the implementation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and called for urgent reforms in the Ministry of Health, particularly in the procurement, storage, and distribution of medicines and related medical supplies.

Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka, Mr. Kabamba said recent revelations surrounding the mismanagement of medical supplies have raised serious concerns both nationally and internationally.

“These issues are not new. ZIPS has long emphasized the importance of adhering to professional standards in procurement and inventory management,” he said.

Mr. Kabamba cited the Public Procurement Act and the Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply Act, which stipulate that only certified professionals should be tasked with procurement and inventory functions. He expressed deep concern over the continued practice of entrusting non-certified individuals with the management of critical medical consumables.

“It is deeply concerning and unacceptable,” he said, “that unqualified individuals are handling essential medical supplies.”

Mr. Kabamba has further stated that ZIPS supports recent sentiments expressed by the government and international partners, including the United States, which call for immediate reforms in the health supply chain.

To address existing challenges, Mr. Kabamba has recommended the establishment of a collaborative dialogue involving procurement professionals, finance officers, pharmacists, and storekeepers.

This, he said, would help define clear roles and accountability frameworks in the medical supply chain.

He also stressed the need to re-evaluate current oversight structures, particularly the placement of storekeeping under the finance department, which he described as having created “blurred lines of accountability.”

“Storekeepers are trained professionals with academic qualifications. Their functions should not be overshadowed by unrelated departments,” Mr. Kabamba said.

In addition, Mr. Kabamba has highlighted the need to recognize the critical role of pharmacists, describing them as essential players in the safe and timely distribution of medicines to patients.

“Pharmacists interact directly with patients and must be considered key stakeholders in ensuring effective health supply chains,” he added.

Mr. Kabamba has reiterated ZIPS’s belief that qualified professionals must be empowered to operate within their areas of expertise, warning that failure to do so could have serious consequences for national health outcomes.

“ZIPS remains committed to working with the government, line ministries, and cooperating partners to strengthen procurement systems not just in health, but across all public service sectors,” he said.
“We stand ready to offer technical support and expertise toward building transparent, inclusive, and accountable systems that benefit all Zambians.”

Ends………………….

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