By: Ollus Ndomu
The worsening shortage of drugs in public hospitals, clinics and centres has sparked an outcry among Zambians who have taken to social media demanding government’s explanation.
In her Facebook statement, the country’s outspoken Civil Rights Activist, Laura Miti acknowledged the seriousness of the drug shortages and called on government to lift the shroud of silence on the matter:
“There is a critical shortage of medicines in hospitals and clinics that has just not been clearly explained.
Why the shortage, how long will it last, what is being done to mitigate it? How many people are we losing due to this shortage?”
Miti also questioned the government’s ability to provide its citizens with information on matters as critical as health:
“Why does this government find it so difficult to proactively provide the public with information?”
Meanwhile, the Civil Rights Activist urged the government not to send Ministry of Information Spokesperson Thabo Kawana to explain the matter, pointing out that his arrogance was on steroids.
“Anyhow, when the Ministry of Health or wider government finally decides this is an important question to address please don’t send Thabo Kawana to speak to us. He is a train smash.
“His arrogance is on steroids. One day soon, he will say something difficult to fix.”
Drug shortage remains the most trending story in Zambia, mounting pressure on Republican President Hakainde Hichilema who personally stormed the Health Ministry’s Headquarters at Ndeke House in Lusaka to better appreciate the growing crisis.
