Chronicle Editor
Robin Muchetu in Masvingo
THE National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm) in Masvingo Province has started distributing Tuberculosis (TB) medication and Antiretrovirals (ARVs) to 250 health centres across the province as it prepares for an influx of people in need of the essential medical supplies during the festive season.
While NatPharm officials could not provide specific demand statistics from health centres, citing it as the purview of the Ministry of Health and Child Care, they acknowledged a marked increase in demand for medication during this period.
“Our preparation for the festive season is robust,” stated Ms Linda Chamboko, the branch manager of NatPharm Masvingo.
“We store bulk commodities and distribute them to health facilities. In this quarter, we have seen a significant influx of patients from South Africa, and we ensure that facilities have sufficient stocks at all times.”
Ms Chamboko noted that the health facilities receive up to seven months’ supply of drugs with each delivery.
The proximity of Masvingo Province to South Africa means a sizable population relies on the facility for regular access to ARVs and treatments for TB.
The branch manager credited the support from the Government and development partners.
“The assistance we have received has transformed the supply and storage of essential drugs in the province.”
Ms Chamboko highlighted the contributions from organisations such as UNDP and the Global Fund saying they were partners in the procurement and distribution of the drugs.
“The commodities we store, including TB, ARVs and malaria drugs, are partner-funded. We are one of the companies that benefitted from the partnership between the Ministry of Health and Child Care and development partners,” she said.
This initiative falls under the broader Resilient Systems Strengthening for Health (RSSH) program aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery nationwide. The newly expanded warehouse and solar installations signify a commitment to improving the supply chain and storage for critical health commodities.
According to Ms Chamboko, their operations cover 250 health facilities across the seven districts of the province.
“We are responsible for storing and distributing medicines for the Ministry of Health and Child Care, including TB drugs, anti-malarial, ARVs and essential medicines,” she explained.
Ms Chamboko also remarked on the transition from an inadequate old warehouse. “Previously, we used a small warehouse at Masvingo Provincial Hospital with limited space for the province’s demands. The new facility is mechanised and palletised, which streamlines operations and improves storage conditions.”
The modern warehouse is equipped with an air conditioning system that maintains optimal temperatures for medication storage—between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius—something that was unattainable previously. It also features two solar-powered cold rooms for medications that require refrigeration.
Constructed between 2017 and 2020, the new facility has significantly improved the company’s ability to handle and distribute the medicals.
“Now, we can store the necessary medications in time for deliveries,” said Ms Chamboko. “Our solar power system, which includes a 201-kilowatt power station, allows us to maintain proper storage conditions.”
Moreover, the province benefits from an efficient transport system, with four delivery vehicles ensuring coverage to even the most remote health facilities.
“We deliver to the last mile and no longer experience delays awaiting disbursements from Harare,” said Ms Chamboko.
She said as the festive season draws near, NatPharm is poised to meet the increased healthcare demands of the Masvingo community.
Online Reporter