NANCY SIAME, Lusaka
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has directed Minister of Health Joseph Kasonde to immediately investigate reports of a shortage of medicines in some clinics in Lusaka.
Mr Lungu said he is disheartened to learn of this situation, yet there are adequate drugs in the country.
“I am learning that there is no medicine in some clinics in Lusaka whilst there are plenty of drugs somewhere else within Lusaka. This is unacceptable,” he said.
The President said this at State House yesterday when he swore in Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Joseph Katema, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Margaret Mwanakatwe and Deputy Minister at State House Mulenga Sata.
Others sworn in included Luapula Province permanent secretary Boniface Chimbwali, Deputy Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja and Deputy Air Force commander David Muma.
Mr Lungu also directed Dr Kasonde to ensure that anyone found wanting in this matter be dealt with accordingly.
Mr Lungu expects the minister of Health to immediately deal with whoever is causing the shortage.
“If the minister is not able to do it, let him surrender the problem to me,” Mr Lungu said.