Central Medical Stores Trust - Malawi

Central Medical Stores Trust - Malawi CMST stocks medicines approved by Malawi's Pharmacy, Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA).

The Central Medical Stores Trust (CMST) is a Malawian-based and operated not-for-profit organization that provides medicine and health commodity procurement, warehousing and distribution services to the Ministry of Health and other healthcare partners.

CMST, PMRA DISCUSS STRENGTHENING PHARMACEUTICAL SUPPLY CHAIN AND SERVICE DELIVERYThe Central Medical Stores Trust (CMST)...
08/05/2026

CMST, PMRA DISCUSS STRENGTHENING PHARMACEUTICAL SUPPLY CHAIN AND SERVICE DELIVERY

The Central Medical Stores Trust (CMST) today held strategic discussions with the Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) aimed at strengthening Malawi’s pharmaceutical supply chain and enhancing service delivery.

The engagement focused on key operational and regulatory priorities, including the registration of medicines procured by CMST, sampling and quality control procedures, supplier vetting processes, and the introduction of strategic staff attachment initiatives between the two institutions.

Speaking during a courtesy call on PMRA Acting Director General, Mrs. Chrissy Chulu, CMST Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Moses G.P. Chisale, highlighted the importance of sustained engagement between the two institutions in promoting efficiency, quality assurance, and responsiveness within their regulator–client relationship.

Dr. Chisale emphasized that strong collaboration between CMST and PMRA is vital in safeguarding the quality, safety, and availability of medicines and medical supplies for Malawians.

In her remarks, Mrs. Chulu reaffirmed PMRA’s commitment to working closely with CMST to uphold high standards of quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines. She noted that enhanced collaboration in medicine registration, quality assurance, and capacity building will play a critical role in protecting public health and strengthening the country’s pharmaceutical supply chain.







A JOURNEY OF SERVICE: CMST HONOURS BILLY CHIPENICMST today bid farewell to long-serving driver Billy Chipeni, who retire...
08/05/2026

A JOURNEY OF SERVICE: CMST HONOURS BILLY CHIPENI

CMST today bid farewell to long-serving driver Billy Chipeni, who retires after joining the Trust on 1 June 2013 and serving under three Chief Executive Officers.

During the send-off, CEO Dr. Moses Chisale commended Chipeni’s exemplary work ethic, humility, and dedication, describing him as a dependable member of staff whose contributions have supported CMST operations over the years. He encouraged employees to emulate the retiring driver’s discipline and commitment to duty.

Chipeni expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve CMST, attributing his journey to God, and urged fellow drivers to continue serving with honesty and integrity. The ceremony included the presentation of a token of appreciation and a cheque in recognition of his years of service.





CMST HOSTS INDIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER TO MALAWIThe CMST Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Moses Chisale, in the week hosted the...
08/05/2026

CMST HOSTS INDIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER TO MALAWI

The CMST Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Moses Chisale, in the week hosted the High Commissioner of India to Malawi, His Excellency Amararam Gujar, for strategic talks focused on enhancing collaboration in the procurement and supply of high-quality medical products. This engagement reflects CMST’s continued commitment to building strong partnerships that support improved healthcare delivery in Malawi.

Photography Credits - Indian High Commission; Tasiyana Banda, Agnes Mhone










RMS SOUTH CONDUCTS IN-HOUSE IT REFRESHER TRAININGRMS South today held an in-house ICT refresher training to strengthen s...
05/05/2026

RMS SOUTH CONDUCTS IN-HOUSE IT REFRESHER TRAINING

RMS South today held an in-house ICT refresher training to strengthen staff skills for improved operations and service delivery. Opening the session, Branch Manager Mr. Stewart Lichapa emphasized that true learning is reflected in changed behaviour, urging staff to apply the knowledge in their daily work. He also highlighted the importance of teamwork and continuous learning. The session was facilitated by CMST’s IT officer, Mr. Tony Skeva.



Building





RMS SOUTH WELCOMES FUTURE HEALTH PROFESSIONALSRegional Medical Stores (RMS) South has welcomed Pharmacy Diploma students...
04/05/2026

RMS SOUTH WELCOMES FUTURE HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Regional Medical Stores (RMS) South has welcomed Pharmacy Diploma students from St Joseph College of Health Sciences and Pharmacist Interns from Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) and Zomba Central Hospital (ZCH).

The seven St Joseph students will be attached for two weeks, while the two from QECH and one ZCH will spend one month gaining practical experience. Their placement focuses on understanding how CMST procures, receives, stores, and distributes medicines and medical supplies to health facilities nationwide.

The groups were oriented by RMS South Pharmacist-in-Charge, Mrs Chisomo Phiri, who highlighted CMST’s mandate, structure, operations, and expected code of conduct.

CMST Human Resource and Administration Manager, Mrs Gladys Makwakwa emphasized that hosting students and interns is part of CMST’s corporate social responsibility:

“Welcoming students and interns to CMST—the country’s largest supplier to the public health system—is an integral part of supporting the growth of Malawi’s pharmacy sector.”

CMST also recently hosted two groups of seven students each from St Joseph School of Nursing, reinforcing its commitment to developing future healthcare professionals.

Proudly shaping the next generation of healthcare workers!





CMST BOARD INTRODUCES NEW CEO TO RMS SOUTH, ENGAGES QECH ON STRENGTHENING SERVICE DELIVERYOn Friday, CMST Board Chairper...
04/05/2026

CMST BOARD INTRODUCES NEW CEO TO RMS SOUTH, ENGAGES QECH ON STRENGTHENING SERVICE DELIVERY

On Friday, CMST Board Chairperson Mrs Tadala Hamisi-Mengezi presented the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Dr Moses G.P. Chisale, to staff at Regional Medical Stores – South in Blantyre, where she expressed the Board’s confidence in his leadership and called for strong staff support in delivering the Trust’s mandate.

Later in the day, the Board Chairperson and CEO paid a courtesy call on Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), reaffirming the strategic importance of the CMST–QECH relationship, with QECH recognised as a key national institution and valued client.

Mrs Hamisi-Mengezi candidly acknowledged that CMST has, at times, fallen short of expectations, including delays and non-fulfilment of some routine and special orders. She emphasised that the Board takes such concerns seriously and views them as critical lessons for institutional improvement.

She assured QECH that the Board is strengthening oversight, accountability and customer-focused governance, noting that feedback from health facilities is directly informing reforms in CMST’s strategic priorities. She further reaffirmed CMST’s commitment to rebuilding confidence through reliability, transparency and responsiveness, and welcomed continued open and constructive engagement.

QECH Director General, Professor Patrick Kamalo, welcomed the engagement, underscoring the importance of strengthened collaboration between the two institutions.

In his remarks, Dr Chisale acknowledged the challenges facing central hospitals, including gaps in supply, and stressed the need for a mindset shift within CMST to better meet client expectations. He committed to championing honesty, responsiveness and improved service delivery.









NEW CMST CEO ENGAGES STAFF, CALLS FOR TEAMWORK AND CUSTOMER FOCUSThe newly appointed Chief Executive Officer for CMST, D...
24/04/2026

NEW CMST CEO ENGAGES STAFF, CALLS FOR TEAMWORK AND CUSTOMER FOCUS

The newly appointed Chief Executive Officer for CMST, Dr Moses G.P. Chisale, today met Lilongwe-based staff, urging them to work with dedication, teamwork and a strong customer orientation to ensure the consistent availability of life-saving medicines and medical supplies.

Dr Chisale emphasised the importance of collaboration and adherence to procedures in creating a conducive work environment and delivering premier service to CMST clients.

Appointed effective 21st April 2026, Dr Chisale brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served at CMST as Director of Pharmaceutical Operations, where he also doubled as Director of Procurement, overseeing medicines procurement, warehousing, quality assurance and nationwide distribution.

Speaking earlier, CMST Board Chairperson Mrs Tadala Hamisi-Mengezi said Dr Chisale’s appointment reflects the Trust’s commitment to strong governance, technical excellence and reliable delivery of quality medicines and medical supplies in Malawi.

She noted that his experience, including senior roles at the Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority and the World Health Organization (WHO), positions him well to steer CMST through the pharmaceutical supply chain integration and transformation agenda, in line with national health priorities.










The Board of Trustees of the Central Medical Stores (CMST) announces the appointment of the new Chief Executive Officer,...
24/04/2026

The Board of Trustees of the Central Medical Stores (CMST) announces the appointment of the new Chief Executive Officer, Dr Moses Chisale. Medical Stores Trust

CMST BOARD ENDORSES RMS SOUTH OPERATIONS, PROMISES SUPPORTThe CMST Board of Trustees today visited Regional Medical Sto...
17/04/2026

CMST BOARD ENDORSES RMS SOUTH OPERATIONS, PROMISES SUPPORT

The CMST Board of Trustees today visited Regional Medical Stores (RMS) South, where it commended staff for strong operational performance and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the unit in achieving its strategic and operational targets.

RMS South, the largest by coverage among the Trust’s three regional stores, serves 13 District Health Offices (DHOs) and three Central Hospitals (CHs), reaching a total of 330 health facilities.

Board Chairperson Mrs Tadala Hamisi Mengezi praised the staff’s dedication, noting that a workforce of just 35 personnel is delivering notable results across key performance areas, including inventory and distribution accuracy, adherence to good warehousing practices, and timely last-mile distribution.

She further urged staff to prepare for the anticipated integration of parallel supply chains into CMST’s system, describing it as an opportunity to unlock efficiencies and synergies across currently fragmented supply lines.

CMST Director of Pharmaceutical Operations, Mr Geoffrey Ngwira, said the Board’s familiarisation visit to appreciate last-mile operations provides critical insight to inform strategic decision-making on investments, operational efficiency, and the delivery of high-quality customer service.

RMS South Branch Manager Stewart Lichapa said the team remains focused on client-centred service delivery, with a strong commitment to meeting performance targets and maintaining high standards in customer service.

CMST HOLDS WORLD BANK–SUPPORTED CHEMICAL SPILL SOP ORIENTATION IN BLANTYREThe Central Medical Stores Trust (CMST), with ...
16/04/2026

CMST HOLDS WORLD BANK–SUPPORTED CHEMICAL SPILL SOP ORIENTATION IN BLANTYRE

The Central Medical Stores Trust (CMST), with support from the World Bank through the Malawi Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience (HEPRR) Project, has conducted a Chemical Spill Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Orientation Workshop in Blantyre for staff involved in production and warehouse operations.

The workshop aimed to strengthen staff preparedness and response to potential chemical spill incidents associated with the handling of hazardous materials, with a focus on personnel safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance.

Opening the session, RMS South Branch Manager, Mr Stewart Lichapa, emphasized the importance of preparedness, noting that the training equips staff with practical knowledge and skills to respond effectively to chemical spills while minimizing operational disruption and environmental harm.

Quality Assurance Manager, Mr David Kulemela, explained that the SOP provides clear, step by step guidance for rapid and safe incident response, including personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, containment and cleanup procedures, and measures to prevent environmental contamination in line with regulatory standards.

Representing the HEPRR Project, Mrs Ethel Chikoti highlighted that the SOP was developed by CMST with support from the World Bank, underscoring the importance of active participation during the training. She noted that while the workshop primarily targeted production staff, its lessons are equally relevant to warehouse operations.

CMST RMS NORTH HOSTS MZUZU CENTRAL HOSPITAL DRUG THERAPEUTIC COMMITTEE On Wednesday, CMST Regional Medical Stores (RMS)...
16/04/2026

CMST RMS NORTH HOSTS MZUZU CENTRAL HOSPITAL DRUG THERAPEUTIC COMMITTEE

On Wednesday, CMST Regional Medical Stores (RMS) North hosted a joint Drug Therapeutic Committee (DTC) meeting with Mzuzu Central Hospital, aimed at appreciating CMST’s stock status and strengthening coordination in the supply of essential medicines.

The engagement reaffirmed the importance of structured collaboration between CMST and health facilities in ensuring a responsive and efficient supply chain.

RMS North Branch Manager, Mr Innocent Mbowela, emphasised the value of such platforms, stating, “Drug Therapeutic Committees (DTC) are important platforms for CMST and hospital engagements because issues are resolved before affecting the supply chain, and CMST therefore encourages hospitals to be visiting us at their convenience.”

He further noted shifts in consumption patterns, including reduced use of medicines such as morphine, highlighting that “such feedback is useful for stocking readjustments,” while also pointing out that some stock challenges arise from suppliers failing to deliver as expected.

Mzuzu Central Hospital DTC Chair, Dr Wiseman Phiri, commended the strong working relationship between the two institutions, particularly the weekly stock updates provided by CMST.

“These updates help health facilities know what CMST has in stock and support informed decision-making,” he said, adding that the DTC—comprising Heads of Departments—ensures that procured products reflect actual hospital needs. 7

He encouraged members to remain proactive in proposing critical products and reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to timely payments, noting this is key to enabling CMST to replenish stocks.

Echoing this, Head of Pharmacy Mr Sam Nowa stressed that “full appreciation of what CMST has or can provide helps in decision-making for best services to hospital users,” adding that regular engagement helps consolidate available products that may have been missed during ordering.

Address

Mzimba Street, Opposite Kamuzu University Of Health Sciences, Private Bag 55
Lilongwe

Opening Hours

Monday 07:30 - 16:30
Tuesday 07:30 - 16:30
Wednesday 07:30 - 16:30
Thursday 07:30 - 16:30
Friday 07:30 - 16:30

Telephone

+2651753910

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Central Medical Stores Trust - Malawi posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category