Continued delays by the Public Procurement and Disposal Authority [PPDA] to clear eight tenders worth thirteen billion kwacha that the  Central Medical Stores submitted in December last year have led to serious shortage of crucial drugs in the country’s public hospitals.

Spokesperson for Central Medical Stores Mr. Herbert Chandilanga has confirmed about the issue.

Chandilanga said that they are failing to procure the medical drugs and supply to hospitals due to the delay.

This has negatively affected patient’s seeking medical treatment as they are being sent back while some are forced to buy from private clinics.

Spokesperson for Public Procurement and Disposal Authority Grace Thipa asked for more time before commenting.