Zambia news: Health Professions Council veils 32 healthcare facilities in Lusaka

Health Professions Council of Zambia has veiled 32 healthcare facilities in the capital city Lusaka for stocking and dispensing expired drugs. The council conducted compliance monitoring inspections in Lusaka province between December 3 and 13 this year. This was reportedly an exercise to reveal high levels of noncompliance among a number of facilities.

Out of 120 health facilities, 32 were noticed stocking and dispensing expired drugs and medical supplies. According to Chinyota Msimuko, Senior PR Officer for Health Professions Council of Zambia said at the media briefing that the findings directly indicate an epidemic of expired drugs being administered to the unsuspecting public, but the Council won't permit the situation to persist as it compromises patient's safety.

According to Msimuko, Health Professions Council of Zambia has witnessed a growing trend where some health facilities are stocking and dispensing expired drugs and medical supplies. He opined in its quest to effectively protect the public and to ensure total compliance to National Health Care Standards, penalties will extend to individual pharmacists and doctors in charge of these facilities, Lusaka Times reported.