In his remarks at the official handover and commissioning of the new National Pharmaceutical Warehouse last Thursday, Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. C.G.D.N. Chiwenga the plan is to make NatPharm the strategic supplier of medicines and medical consumables in the country.
“In outline, the plan is to ensure that NatPharm becomes our strategic supplier of medicines, both for the public and private sectors. The ultimate objective is that medicines and commodities are readily available at all times to the patients who require them,” said VP Chiwenga.
Dr. Chiwenga expressed his gratitude over the support Zimbabwe got from the People’s Republic of China in terms of infrastructure and medical products all aimed at improving the country’s health delivery system.
“As Ministry of Health and Child Care, we appreciate the immense support that has been rendered in the provision of infrastructure and pharmaceutical products. The overarching goal is to improve the quality of the healthcare delivery system in the country,” said Dr. Chiwenga.
The VP said the COVID-19 pandemic taught us a lesson on the need to maintain buffer stocks of medical supplies given that disruptions in supply chains were noted and he thanked the Chinese government for the provision of vaccines and medical expertise.
“We learnt from our experience of the COVID-19 pandemic the urgent need for health systems to always have huge buffer stocks of critical medicines. The Government of Zimbabwe acknowledges with deep appreciation the assistance rendered by the People’s Republic of China in the provision of both vaccines and medical expertise.
“During pandemics, there are huge disruptions in the procurement and supply management of medicines globally. I am grateful to the Guest of Honour’s vision in securing this support, which is critical for our health sector and indeed, our people,” said VP Chiwenga.
