Minister of Health, Alex Katakwe, has revoked the appointment of Pharmaceutical Society of Zambia President, Keagan Mwape as Board Member of the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) with immediate effect, noting the need to restore efficiency, accountability and integrity in the agency’s operations.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka, Dr Katakwe said the Pharmaceutical Society of Zambia has since been requested to nominate another representative in line with provisions of its governing Act.

He also announced the suspension of several senior officials at Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency to pave the way for administrative and investigative processes.

Those suspended include Acting Director of Procurement Justine Mulimo, Senior Procurement Officer Diana Musa, Brian Mununka, Acting Director of Supply Planning Rachel Msimuka and Acting Director of Warehousing and Distribution Roosevelt Kyanamina.

Dr Katakwe said the suspensions have been effected to facilitate investigations by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)

Meanwhile, Dr Katakwe has announced several acting appointments to ensure operational continuity at the agency.

Mr Millimo Katongo has been appointed Acting Director of Procurement, while Julius Njobvu will serve as Acting Manager for Procurement Medicines.

Other appointments include Rodney Simuchimba as Acting Senior Procurement Officer, Oliver Ng’andwe as Acting Director of Supply Planning, Mercy Jere as Acting Director of Warehousing and Distribution.