Answer to Question #171206 in Management for Angela

Question

The Ministry of Health in Zambia has in the recent past been rocked by scandals that have brought to light weaknesses in public sector governance, accountability and financial management. “In June 2020, Zambian investigative journalists broke a story about alleged irregularities in a US$17 million procurement of health kits the year before. Journalists found that the winning company, Honey Bee Pharmacy Limited, was not even registered at the time of contract’s award. Previously, our analysis had shown that the gaps existing in the Ministry of Health’s handling of the COVID-19 donations were a potential conduit for corruption.

Assess the governance arrangement in the public sector in Zambia. Your answer should include detailed arrangements at the Ministry of Health.

Provide PRACTICAL recommendations aimed at enhancing governance and accountability in the Ministry of Health. 

Answer 1

Assess the governance arrangement in the public sector in Zambia

·        Corruption- the ministry of health in Zambia has proven to be corrupt by diverting funds that are donated for COVID-19 were a potential conduit for corruption.

·        Lack of transparency in the allocation of resources, weakness in accountability, governance, and financial management.

·        Unfair issues of tenders - Honey Bee Pharmacy Limited, was not even registered at the time of the contract’s award.

Recommendations aimed at enhancing governance and accountability in the Ministry of Health. 

·        Effective and efficient services provision arrangement, management system, and regulatory framework.

·        Transparency in decision making; the way resources are allocated and performance.

·        Institution checks and balances.

·        Clear and enforceable accountability.

·        Evidence-based policymaking.

·        Responsiveness to public health needs and the preferences of beneficiaries/citizens – while also managing their differences.