ZIPS CELEBRATES ITS CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY DAY

The Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply (ZIPS) carried out corporate social responsibility activities at the University Teaching Hospital on Friday 31st January 2020. ZIPS strongly believes in giving back to the community in which it serves.

The Institute visited Zambia’s largest referral hospital - University Teaching Hospital and made a donation of various items to the Casualty and Accident Wing. The visit was not just about the donation but also saw ZIPS Council Members, ZIPS Members, ZPPA representative and Secretariat clean the ward.

The Chief Nursing Officer at the Adult Hospital who spoke on behalf of Management, welcomed ZIPS members to the Casualty and Accident Wing.  He stated that the Ward is sometimes challenged for lack of cleaning resources. He stated that Management was grateful to ZIPS because the visit and the donation were timely. He further stated that the donation would help make UTH a relevant place of healing, comfort and hope for the patients as well as improve quality health care delivery to the patients.   

Speaking at the same event, ZIPS President Mr Chibwe D Mwelwa reminded the audience that the reason the ZIPS Act was enacted was to ensure that the procurement process is sanitized and regulated. Its main function is to ensure that the procurement process is properly managed so as to maximise the benefits to be realized. The President highlighted the importance of the Procurement function in the development of a nation.

The ZIPS president thanked the Supply Chain professionals across Zambia for their contribution to the country. He stated that although the individuals were unsung heroes, their contribution and input could not be left unnoticed. Mr Mwelwa stated that for any organisation to maximise its profit and reach its objectives there was need for a properly managed procurement process.  

The President noted the achievements that UTH had continued to score over the years through saving lives and mentioned the kidney transplant that UTH recently conducted as a case in point. He thanked Management for working hard in ensuring that lives were saved. He also reminded them that for them to effectively work they needed equipment and medical supplies which were procured by Supply Chain Personnel hence the need to collaborate.

Mr Mwelwa said that ZIPS was considering adopting a ward on a long term basis as a way for ZIPS to give back to the community as part of its social corporate responsibility.

Speaking at the same event, the Director General of Zambia Public Procurement Authority, Mr Christopher Chichoni who was also the guest of honor thanked ZIPS for a very important initiative which was aimed at making positive contributions to the quality of life of the community in which we live and work.

He noted that ZIPS was extremely active in promoting the values of corporate social responsibility emanating from its shared commitment to the priorities of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.

Mr Chichoni stated that ZIPS had realized the importance of setting up a corporate social responsibility policy because of the impact this has on society. He further stated that it was believed that CSR was no longer defined by how much money an institution contributes to a noble cause, but by its overall involvement in activities that improve the quality of people’s lives, in this case health.

Mr Chichoni noted that ZIPS had taken keen interest in several social issues which explain its’ growing interest in its’ CSR activities. The first such issue was to do with the concerns and expectations of citizens, consumers and public authorities as well as the impact of globalization and industrial change. The second issue was the increasing influence of social criteria on the investment decisions of individuals and institutions. The third issue was the growing concern over environmental degradation; on this one we are yet to see the institution actualize the green procurement concept.

The ZIPS Executive Director Mr Henry Chanda thanked management at UTH for allowing ZIPS to carry out its corporate social responsibility activities at UTH.

 ZIPS provincial Chapters across the country will conduct similar activities.

Issued by ZIPS Secretariat

31st January 2020