Sharon Chigeza
MUTARE – The nearly completed National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm) Warehouse in Mutare is poised to transform the health delivery system in Zimbabwe, marking a significant advancement in how the country stores and distributes essential medicines.
As the largest facility in Zimbabwe, this state-of-the-art warehouse is a game-changer for the nation’s healthcare infrastructure.
While the construction of the warehouse is almost complete, the final touches, including the construction of access roads, are still underway. Once operational, the facility will play a pivotal role in ensuring that medicines are stored under optimal conditions, thus enhancing the efficacy of the healthcare delivery system across the country.
NatPharm, Zimbabwe’s national pharmaceutical distributor, has integrated its warehouse management system with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system that ensures meticulous control of storage conditions. The sophisticated system maintains optimal parameters such as temperature, humidity, and sanitation, adhering to international standards. This level of care is crucial in ensuring that medicines remain effective throughout the supply chain, from storage to delivery.
“The operationalisation of this facility will significantly improve the quality of healthcare services in Zimbabwe. Manicaland serves as a gateway for shipments arriving from Beira and with the warehouse in Mutare, trucks carrying pharmaceutical supplies will no longer need to detour to Harare.
“Quick delivery of medicines will enhance healthcare accessibility, especially for rural hospitals and clinics that often struggle with delays in receiving critical supplies. By ensuring that medicines are stored and handled properly, we can guarantee their efficacy, which is vital for patient care,” said Dr Cephas Fonte representing Manicaland Medical Director, Munyaradzi Mukuzunga on tour of the warehouse.
NatPharm operations manager, Hebert Mashanga said the facility is essentially complete with only construction of access roads outstanding.
“The authorities responsible for the road have promised that construction will be completed soon. Once that is done, we will begin the licensing process with the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe. The warehouse will be fully operational as soon as the road is finished and licensing is secured,” Mashanga said.
The strategic location of the NatPharm Warehouse in Mutare is particularly advantageous. It provides easy access to essential medicines not just for Mutare but for the entire country. The facility’s central position allows for efficient distribution to various regions, ensuring that hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies can receive timely supplies of critical medications.
NatPharm’s extensive branch network further enhances this capability. With regional stores in Harare and Bulawayo, as well as branches in Gweru, Masvingo, Mutare, and Chinhoyi, the company is well-equipped to facilitate efficient distribution to all corners of the country. This robust logistical framework ensures that healthcare providers can rely on timely access to the medications they need.
The new warehouse is expected to alleviate some of the challenges currently faced by the healthcare sector in Zimbabwe, where access to medicines has often been hampered by logistical issues and inadequate storage facilities. By providing a centralised, well-managed location for pharmaceutical storage, NatPharm aims to streamline the supply chain and improve overall healthcare delivery.
In addition to improving access to medicines, the facility is anticipated to create numerous job opportunities for local residents. The construction and subsequent operation of the warehouse will require a skilled workforce, contributing to the local economy and providing employment in an area that has seen economic challenges.
As the country grapples with various health challenges, including outbreaks of preventable diseases, the need for an efficient and effective health delivery system has never been more critical. The NatPharm Warehouse will play a vital role in addressing these challenges by ensuring that healthcare providers have the necessary tools to deliver quality care.
The completion of the warehouse is expected to coincide with the launch of new initiatives aimed at improving public health outcomes in Zimbabwe. By enhancing the distribution of essential medicines, NatPharm is taking a proactive step toward improving the overall health of the nation.