The Zomba City Council (ZCC) says it is failing to procure enough Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for health workers because the Central Medical Stores Trust (CMST) doesn’t have enough in stock.

This has been revealed by District Commissioner (DC) for Zomba, Dr Raphael Piringu.

Dr. Piringu said despite more partners coming forward to assist the council with funds to procure the equipment, but the challenge remains where to get them.

Dr. Piringu said: “Some partners have funds to assist us but where to procure the equipment remains a challenge.”

He said they have been procuring the equipment from CMST but due to a recent rise in demand of the product due to COVID-19 pandemic, the Trust is under pressure to meet the high demand and they are failing to provide them with the needed quantity.

He therefore highlighted that the development has caused a strain on the district’s plans amidst coronavirus crisis.

Dr. Piringu further said the little equipment the district procured has been distributed to health facilities by rationalizing them while they are waiting for another consignment from the CMST.

However he revealed that the district has adequate isolation centers citing Chancellor College campus and Matawale among others.