Michael Gwarisa
In the wake of rising cases of leakage and pilfering of public sector medicines within Zimbabwe’s healthcare supply chain, the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) has introduced stricter drug transportation and accountability measures aimed at closing existing loopholes.
Appearing before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health, Permanent Secretary Dr Aspect Maunganidze said the ministry has tightened controls on the movement of medicines across the country, with a focus on strengthening oversight and reducing diversion of essential drugs.
He said the government has now banned the use of private vehicles in the transportation of medicines, restricting all deliveries to authorised national supply chain systems.
“We have adopted a zero tolerance approach not only to corruption but also to indiscipline within the entire supply chain, especially in our public institutions,” said Dr Maunganidze.
He added that the ministry has activated both criminal and disciplinary measures for any healthcare worker or individual caught misappropriating medicines and essential drugs within the public health system.
Dr Maunganidze said the National Pharmaceutical Company of Zimbabwe (NatPharm) is now responsible for all medicine deliveries to health institutions across the country.
“NatPharm is now doing all deliveries to health institutions. Previously, institutions were using whatever transport they had to collect medicines. There were also cases of inappropriate vehicles being used, or staff hiring private vehicles to collect commodities. That is no longer allowed,” he said.
He explained that these practices previously created gaps in accountability, making it difficult to track medicines within the supply chain, with losses occurring along the way.
Dr Maunganidze said government has since strengthened NatPharm’s logistics capacity, including the provision of vehicles and cold chain equipment such as refrigerated trucks to ensure medicines are transported safely and arrive in good condition.
“We believe the last mile delivery system will go a long way in reducing leakages all the way to health facilities. Once medicines reach the facilities, we also have a strengthened monitoring system, even for institutions that do not yet have electronic stock management systems,” he said.
He noted that incidents of medicine leakages have been a persistent challenge affecting the public health system, but assured that corrective action will be taken against offenders.
“Incidents may arise, but decisive measures will be taken both on the criminal side and the disciplinary side using institutional mechanisms. Our Health Services Act is very clear that if it is proven someone is directly linked to theft of state commodities, they will be dismissed. The criminal process will also be pursued,” he said.
The Ministry said the reforms are part of broader efforts to strengthen accountability, improve drug security, and ensure consistent access to essential medicines in public health facilities.
Authorities maintain that tightening the supply chain is critical to restoring public confidence and ensuring that medicines reach intended patients without diversion or loss.
