The National Pharmaceutical Company of Zimbabwe, popularly known as NatPharm, has failed to pay its workers, sparking outrage and concern among employees. This development is the latest in a long line of controversies surrounding the company, which has been embroiled in several corruption scandals.
NatPharm’s mandate is to procure, store, and distribute medicines and medical supplies to public health institutions across Zimbabwe. However, its track record suggests that corruption and mismanagement are rampant. The Drax International scandal, which involved a US$60 million COVID-19 procurement deal with a bogus company linked to President Mnangagwa’s associates, is just one example.
The failure to pay workers is seen as a direct result of the looting of public funds, a problem that has plagued NatPharm for years. Insiders claim that corruption and mismanagement are endemic, with funds meant for essential medical supplies and worker salaries being diverted for personal gain.
As the situation continues, NatPharm workers are left to suffer the consequences of the company’s financial mismanagement. The failure to pay salaries has caused significant hardship, with many employees struggling to make ends meet.
The NatPharm scandal highlights the need for urgent reform and accountability in Zimbabwe’s public institutions. As the country struggles to provide essential healthcare services to its citizens, the looting of public funds and corruption must be addressed to ensure that medical supplies and services are not compromised
source-Hopewell Chin’ono
