Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 1st May, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
Marking Labour Day, the Zambia Union of Pharmacy Professionals (ZUPP) has issued a strong call for urgent labour reforms and targeted investment in local pharmaceutical manufacturing to address persistent unemployment and structural challenges within the health sector.
Speaking on behalf of the union, General Secretary Obbie M. Chomba warned that the success of the Zambia Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Strategy (2024–2029) could be compromised unless systemic employment issues are swiftly addressed.
“More than 95% of public pharmacy positions are already filled, leaving hundreds of trained graduates either jobless or underemployed,” Chomba said. “At the same time, the private sector suffers from poor labour conditions, inadequate pay, and widespread exploitation.”
In response, ZUPP is calling on the government to:
- Expedite the rollout of pharmaceutical manufacturing initiatives,
- Strengthen labour inspections and enforce compliance with employment standards,
- Pass long-delayed pharmaceutical legislation,
- Expand the public health workforce to meet the World Health Organization (WHO) staffing recommendations.
The union also expressed concern over rising inflation, currently at 16.5%, an escalating cost of living and increasing job losses in donor-funded health programs factors it said demand bold, homegrown solutions.
Reaffirming its commitment to national development, ZUPP called on policymakers to uphold principles of equity and empower pharmacy professionals to support quality healthcare delivery.
“We cannot continue to ignore the potential of our local pharmaceutical sector. The time for action is now,” Chomba emphasized.
The Agency.