I APPEAL to the Government to monitor drug stocks in the country to curtail drug pilfering.
It is sad that Government is always demonised for shortage of drugs in public health institutions and yet GRZ labelled drugs are found in some private health institutions and drug stores.
Patients are given prescriptions from Government Hospitals or clinics to buy even essential drugs such as Panadol, medical supplies like syringes, needles and gloves and yet the Medical Stores of Zambia is fully stocked with all essential medical supplies.
It is painful to see GRZ labelled drugs or medical supplies shelved in private drug stores and in some neighbouring countries.
There are some named neighbouring countries where GRZ labelled drugs are found, but the question is who supplied?
It is for this reason that I call upon the Government through the Ministry of Health to regulate and closely monitor the drug stock movement from Medical Stores to the intended recipients.
By the way, what has happened to the Task Force at the Ministry of Health that was constituted to deal with pilfering of drugs?
Wisdom Muyunda
CHINGOLA

Superiors abuse cop over  illness

I AM a police officer based at Lusaka’s Emmasdale Police Station.
I have been continuously verbally abused by some of my superiors.
Mid last year, I was detected with stomach ulcers and was put on treatment. I have lost a bit of weight and the superiors are now saying and insinuating that I am HIV positive and would die soon.
This is said in the presence of fellow officers and members of the public who come to the station. Some fellow officers have also started passing similar remarks. So if the officers can become abusive to a fellow officer, what about the general public? Shame!
Affected police officer
Emmasdale Lusaka

Way to go Jan!

I WANT to express my happiness at Zambian referee Jan Sikazwe’s officiating at the AFCON.
On Tuesday, Jan officiated the match between Mali and Cameroun.
It is nice to have a Zambian officiating at high profile tournament like the AFCON.
After 50 years of Independence, once being a football power house, we should have more Zambians taking a leading role at high profile events unlike remaining spectators.
I am looking forward to seeing Jan referring at the World Cup in future.
I am glad to see former Chipolopolo captain Christopher Katopher on the panel of soccer analysts at Super Sport although he has his own limitations.
I want to urge other sportsmen and women to be ambitious and work towards realising their dream.
For example, it is no luck that FAZ president Kalusha Bwalya excelled in his football career and beyond, but by being ambitious, disciplined and working hard.
Therefore, work hard Jan and Chris.
Chipoli Ng’ambi
LUSAKA

A word from Owas’ jail cell

I HAVE decided not to appeal against my sentence because I have strong faith that setback is a step up for my comeback. I am quite sure you are aware of the power that exists in a setback.
My attitude during this period in jail has been to look for the opportunity that has presented itself to me and believe me, twists and turns only come to those who want to go forward and I would like to enjoy these twists and turns because its surely propelling me to a whole new level that shall be a marvel.
I hold no grudge with the mother of my two children (Owas Jr and Sampa) who were born during our 10 years time of love together.
I can never and will never publicly insult a woman who shared intimate moments with me but instead respect her more because a man should have honour with issues to do with marital misunderstandings.
From me, other married men should learn that certain issues we see as marital tit-bits one-day maybe felonies.
I am in jail and enjoying good heath but encoding a lot of artistic knowledge, re-aligning, re-focusing and re-engineering for my comeback.
I was not sent to hell but retreat.
The only way I will know the limits of my possibilities is if I cross the barrier because I determine the course and my destiny.
To my fans, thank you for your prayers and your great support. You will enjoy my upcoming movies.
To learn from someone’s mistakes is faster and easier than making them. The error of the past is the wisdom of the future.
God bless
OWAS RAY MWAPE