By Staff Reporter
The Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) has retired all the employees at the institution with immediate effect, following what they described as the recent forensic audit.
But calls made to Health minister Professor Roma Chilengi and his permanent secretary for technical services Dr Kennedy Lishimpi have gone unanswered.
ZAMMSA DG Liyoka Liyoka when contacted for comment, referred queries to the permanent secretary in charge of administration at the Ministry of Health, saying “I can’t give you any comment at this stage.”
According to correspondence seen by Daily Revelation, ZAMMSA stated that upon careful consideration of the matters arising from the forensic audit and the broader institutional implications it had been resolved that it was in he best interest of the institution that the people addressed should proceed on retirement in national interest with immediate effect.
The institution stated that the measure had been taken as an administrative and precautionary step to safeguard the integrity, operational efficiency and reputation of the institution, and did not constitute a disciplinary finding but reflected the need to bring closure to the employment relationship in the circumstances.
Those who had been retired had been told that they may wish to re-apply for the same or any other positions when the agency advertises for recruitment to fill vacant positions.
Efforts to speak to Prof Chilengi have so far proved futile as he did not take the calls made to him. When contacted for comment, Prof Chilengi cut the line and sent a text message stating, “Please text me.”
However, he did not respond to texted questions sent to him.
His permanent secretary Dr Lishimpi could also not take the phone calls.
Acting ZAMMSA director general Liyoka referred queries to the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health.
”You can consult the permanent secretary, admin at Ministry of Health,” said Liyoka.
But when told that the newspaper had tried to call Lishimpi but his line rung unanswered, hence the decision to call him, Liyoka said: “I am sorry I can’t give you any comment at this stage. Yes!”
