Reviews and approves every medicine before it enters the Zambian market human medicines, herbal remedies, biologicals and vaccines and oversees the clinical trials, pharmacovigilance and drug-information work that keeps approved products safe once in use. Also authorises allied substances such as cosmetics, medical devices, biocidal products and nutritional supplements.
Regulates the marketing authorisation and licensing of veterinary medicines, vaccines and biologics, and veterinary allied substances safeguarding animal health and, by extension, the safety of Zambia's food chain.
ZAMRA's scientific backbone independently tests medicines and allied products to confirm they are what they claim to be. Runs physico-chemical analysis, microbiological testing and medical-device evaluation, supported by metrology, sample custody and stores management.
Manages the Authority's financial resources financial and management accounting, budgeting and reporting, and stores/inventory control so ZAMRA's regulatory operations remain funded, accountable and audit-ready.
Provides legal advice to the Board and Director-General, prosecutes offences under the Medicines and Allied Substances Act, handles litigation, and drives regulatory-compliance enforcement. The Director also serves as Board Secretary.
Builds and supports ZAMRA's workforce recruitment, HR development and registry/records and runs the administrative services that keep the Authority operating day to day, from facilities and transport to front-of-house support.
ZAMRA's presence on the ground. Licenses premises and persons dealing in medicines and allied substances, and enforces compliance through surveillance, GMP inspection and investigations run from headquarters and a network of regional offices covering the country's provinces, borders and trade routes.