Kit distribution is emergency intervention, local suppliers told

The Ministry of Health and its drug donors have said they do not ignore local drug suppliers in medical kit distribution as alleged by some local pharmaceutical companies in the country.

In a press statement signed by Ministry of Health public relations officer Henry Chimbali and Unicef chief of communication Victor Chinyama on Tuesday, the official said “the Kit Distribution Project is understood by all parties to be an emergency intervention to address basic medical supplies that include drug shortages.”

“The Government of Malawi, together with its development partners, is well aware that capacity building in the pharmaceutical sector in Malawi is a key priority for national economic, social and professional prosperity. It is, therefore, not surprised to learn of the justified sentiments of the pharmaceutical companies who are major stakeholders in the sector,” reads the statement in part.

The statement says the implementation of the project is a joint endeavour between the Government of Malawi and its development partners in the project, namely the governments of the United Kingdom, Norway, and Germany as financiers.

It further says regardless of any circumstance, there was need to procure the medical drugs to address the current drug situation.

Local suppliers had complained that they were ignored over the purchase of the drugs.