Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
ZIMBABWE is intensifying efforts to end chronic medicine shortages in public health institutions through an ambitious pharmaceutical sector strategy anchored on the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
The plan positions the National Pharmaceutical Company of Zimbabwe (NatPharm) at the centre of a nationwide push to ensure the consistent availability of safe, effective and affordable medicines.
At NatPharm’s Harare warehouse, government’s drive to end drug stockouts is taking shape as reforms under NDS2 overhaul the way medicines are funded, procured, stored and distributed.
For years, public hospitals have struggled with recurring shortages, worsened by foreign currency constraints and heavy reliance on imported pharmaceuticals.
Government says this must now change, with NDS2 guiding a comprehensive pharmaceutical sector strategy designed to ensure medicines are always available in public facilities.
“Going into NDS2, we will be building on the foundation set under NDS1. As NatPharm, we see ourselves contributing to the broader manufacturing sector in Zimbabwe on behalf of the government. This will ensure that medicines are available in our public hospitals,” said NatPharm Managing Director, Mr Newman Madzikwa.
A key pillar of the new strategy is boosting local production capacity.
“There are two approaches we are taking. Firstly, we are increasing the share of medicines we procure from local manufacturers. Secondly, NatPharm will also become a player in manufacturing, not competing with local producers, but focusing on products they are not already making. The goal of achieving 30 percent local production by 2030 under NDS2 is very attainable,” Mr Madzikwa said.
He added that lessons from countries such as Algeria, which grew local production from around 28 percent to 80 percent within a decade through deliberate policies, show that Zimbabwe’s targets are realistic.
The full package of reforms under NDS2 is expected to stabilise supply chains, reduce costs and ensure equitable access to life-saving medicines for all Zimbabweans.
With NatPharm at the centre of this transformation, the government is working towards a future where drug stockouts are eliminated, and every citizen can access quality-assured treatment whenever they need it.
