Zimbabwe is ramping up its drive to end chronic drug shortages in public health institutions, rolling out a bold, forward-looking pharmaceutical strategy under NDS2.Central to this transformation is the National Pharmaceutical Company of Zimbabwe (NatPharm), which has been positioned as the engine driving a reliable, cost-effective and efficient national medicines supply system.
At NatPharm’s Harare warehouse, the Government’s push to end long-standing drug stockouts is becoming visible. Reforms under NDS2 are reshaping how medicines are financed, procured, stored and distributed nationwide, a major departure from years of inconsistent supply caused by foreign currency shortages and heavy dependence on imported drugs.
Government officials say the era of perennial shortages must now come to an end. The new pharmaceutical strategy aims to guarantee the uninterrupted availability of safe, effective and affordable medicines across all public health facilities.
“Going into NDS2, we will be building on the foundation set under NDS1. As NatPharm, we see ourselves contributing to the broader manufacturing sector in Zimbabwe on behalf of the government. This will ensure that medicines are available in our public hospitals,” said NatPharm Managing Director, Newman Madzikwa.
A major thrust of the strategy is expanding local pharmaceutical production.
“There are two approaches we are taking. Firstly, we are increasing the share of medicines we procure from local manufacturers. Secondly, NatPharm will also become a player in manufacturing, not competing with local producers, but focusing on products they are not already making. The goal of achieving 30 percent local production by 2030 under NDS2 is very attainable,” Madzikwa added.
He noted that countries like Algeria which grew local pharmaceutical output from 28 percent to 80 percent within a decade through targeted industrial policies demonstrate that Zimbabwe’s ambitions are both realistic and achievable.
The comprehensive reforms under NDS2 are expected to stabilise medicine supply chains, cut costs, stimulate local industry and ensure equitable access to life-saving medicines for all Zimbabweans.
With NatPharm at the centre of this national push, Government is charting a future where drug stockouts are eliminated and every citizen can access quality-assured treatment when need arise.
