LUSAKA - The Biomedical Society of Zambia (BMSZ) has called on the Ministry of Health to review the procurement and distribution of laboratory supplies, citing shortages of essential reagents that are delaying diagnosis and weakening disease surveillance.
In a brief dated 9 November 2026 and addressed to Health Minister Professor Roma Chilengi, the society said some laboratories receive reagent kits in separate batches, resulting in certain components expiring before the remaining supplies arrive.
BMSZ said procurement and clearance delays also contribute to wastage and disrupt laboratory testing.
The society has proposed a joint assessment involving the Ministry of Health, the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA), the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) and BMSZ. The assessment would identify weaknesses in the regulation, procurement, clearance and distribution of laboratory supplies and recommend corrective measures with estimated costs.
The society has also called for permanent, gazetted biomedical scientist positions at provincial and district levels, as well as consultant biomedical scientist positions in teaching, central and general hospitals.
It said the lack of a defined specialist career path has contributed to the movement of highly trained biomedical scientists from hospitals to universities and other institutions, reducing access to specialised testing and expert laboratory advice.
On local manufacturing, BMSZ welcomed the Ministry's plans to produce public health products locally, beginning with cholera vaccines. However, it stressed the need for stronger testing and quality control systems to support local production.
The society offered to contribute laboratory expertise, staff training and research partnerships to the initiative.
BMSZ further requested representation of biomedical scientists on the incoming Health Professions Council of Zambia board and proposed that the Ministry appoint a designated official to coordinate with the society.
It also proposed a ministerial roundtable in January or February 2027 to agree on priorities for improving laboratory services.
The society invited Professor Chilengi to officially open its scientific conference scheduled for 2 December 2026 in Livingstone. A workshop on point-of-care diagnostics will take place on 1 December, while the conference will address disease surveillance, antimicrobial resistance, genomics and digital diagnostics.
Source: Hot FM Zambia | By: Hot FM Zambia