Regulating medicines for public health protection:

Abstract

The “Overview of Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA)” is a structured presentation describing the mandate, organisation, and core functions of ZAMRA, the statutory body responsible for regulating medicines and allied substances in the Republic of Zambia. It summarises how the authority protects public health by ensuring that all pharmaceutical products in the Zambian market meet required standards of quality, safety, and efficacy.

The overview explains that ZAMRA was established under the Medicines and Allied Substances Act (No. 3) of 2013 and operates under the Ministry of Health. Its mandate encompasses the entire pharmaceutical supply chain, including manufacturing, importation, distribution, storage, sale, and use of medicines and related products.

The document outlines ZAMRA’s key organisational components, with leadership structures including the Minister of Health, ZAMRA Board, Director-General, and directors responsible for corporate affairs, laboratory services, and medicines control.