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Mukobeko inmates get medical supplies

 By KETRA KALUNGA

Former inmate and lawyer Keith Mukata initiative of lobbing stakeholders to supplement government’s efforts in the province of adequate medical supplies to correctional facilities has come to fruition as Pharmaceutical Society of Zambia (PSZ) partners with Zambia Correctional Service in strengthening the medical supply chain in the facilities.

ZCS commissioner general, Frederick Chilukutu said the commission has been facing numerous challenges in ensuring consistent and quality health delivery to inmates.

Mr. Chilukutu said these challenges have led to the ZSC failing to fulfil the demands of various local and international protocols on the management of inmates.

“We have worked hard as a service towards the attainment of the demands of both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Nelson Mandela Rule with regard to health needs of the inmates, however our efforts have been met with challenges,” he said.

Mr Chilukutu has assured of an open door policy which he said is cardinal in addressing some of the perennial challenges in health and inmates management.

He was speaking yesterday during the launch of partnership between the ZCS and the PSZ at Mukobeko Maximum Correctional Facility in Kabwe district.

PSZ President, Kennedy Saini said the partnership was aimed at supporting the already existing structures in correctional facilities.

Mr. Saini said the PSZ would continue complementing government efforts in the provision of adequate medical suppliers to correctional facilities throughout the country.

“This initiative was supported by the former inmate, Keith Mukata and will be a continuous process aimed at strengthening the supply chain of medicines and medical supplies in correctional facilities,” he said.

And central province medical officer, Kennedy Kabuswe in a speech read by provincial public health specialist, Dr. Isaac Banda assured inmates of access to the Covid-19 vaccines being provided countrywide.

Dr. Kabuswe said the government was committed to ensuring that every Zambian has access to the vaccine including inmates.

PSZ also donated assorted medicines and medical supplies to inmates and staff at the correctional facility as part of celebration for the World Pharmacy Day which falls on 25 September every year.

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