ZAMMSA Advocates for Local Pharmaceutical Manufacturing at 43rd PSZ Annual Conference

The Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) is actively participating in the ongoing 43rd Annual Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Zambia (PSZ). The Agency is represented by its Director General, Mr. Victor P.M. Nyasulu.

In his speech, Mr. Nyasulu highlighted the relevance of this year’s conference theme, “Unlocking Zambia’s Economic Potential Through Local Pharmaceutical Manufacturing,” aligning it with ZAMMSA’s vision for Zambia to achieve self-sufficiency in the production and availability of medicines and medical supplies through local manufacturing.

Mr. Nyasulu emphasised that revitalising the local pharmaceutical industry is the most reliable way to ensure stability and improve the availability and accessibility of medicines and medical supplies. This, in turn, will keep citizens healthy and contribute to sustainable economic development.

Over the past three years, the New Dawn Government has made significant strides towards enhancing the quality of healthcare by providing equitable access to quality, cost-effective medicines and medical supplies.

These efforts include increased funding towards the National Drug Budget and the establishment and operationalisation of the Medicines and Medical Supplies Fund under ZAMMSA.

As a result of these initiatives, the availability of medicines and medical supplies at primary healthcare levels and hospitals has improved dramatically, from 43% in 2021 to over 80% in 2024.

Mr. Nyasulu expressed a desire to achieve over 90% availability at all levels of the supply chain and healthcare.

However, he noted that the public health supply chain faces a significant challenge due to its heavy reliance on imported medicines and medical supplies, stemming from the country’s limited local pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities.

This dependency makes the healthcare system vulnerable to price fluctuations, supply disruptions, and delayed deliveries.