Shortages of medicines in hospitals
Dear Editor,
THE problem of shortages of some drugs in health facilities, has been going on for decades, with no solution in sight.
Two extreme positions are encountered: The first is that which is reported by patients who are given prescriptions only, because there are no drugs.
The second is the blanket denial by relevant authorities that all the health facilities are well stocked and cannot possibly run out of drugs.
Here, given the past long term scandals at the Ministry of Health, the truth is becoming problematic and owned by either experience or expedience. None provide a holistic cure to the problem, but creating unnecessary tension.
The way forward for Zambia and not necessarily patients or authorities, is for the government to establish either a task force or commission of inquiry to address the question of erratic supply of drugs in health facilities.
This is more so after the taxpayers through the Treasury have facilitated the procurement of expensive drugs, which turn out more as a burden on the health care system.
At stake here is the right to life and the fact of living normally .as provided for by law. Let’s do what must be done to stop this perennial problem of possible mischief and possible ill intended commissions, in managing life and living.
NGANDE MWANAJITI,
Author
