THE announcement by the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) that it will soon dispose of expired medicines and medical supplies worth K129 million brings to life mixed feelings. The immediate and most obvious reaction from the public is that of displeasure for the wastage of public funds. In a country where public hospitals often face chronic shortages of life-saving drugs and basic medical supplies, the destruction of such an enormous quantity of medicines is nothing short of scandalous on face value. Indeed, this is not just about compliance with disposal regulations, it is about the blatant wastage of public funds and the systemic failures that enable it. ZAMMSA’s own disclosure lists the destroyed commodities: Antiretrovirals (ARVs), cancer treatment...