Central Medical Stores Trust - Malawi

07/06/2026

04/06/2026

ZOMBA MENTAL HOSPITAL VISITS RMS SOUTH

Regional Medical Stores (RMS) South recently hosted a team from Zomba Mental Hospital (ZMH) for a collaborative engagement aimed at enhancing healthcare service delivery.

The purpose of the visit was to discuss the medicines and medical supplies needs of ZMH, while also giving the team an opportunity to appreciate the range of items currently available in the RMS warehouse.

Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the Branch Manager, Acting Branch Accountant, Mr. Owen Mkwinda, highlighted that the meeting would further strengthen the already strong relationship between the two institutions.

The visit was productive, as the ZMH team expressed appreciation for the available supplies and identified several items they will be placing orders for, contributing to improved access to essential medicines for their patients.

This engagement underscores RMS’s commitment to building strong partnerships with health facilities and ensuring efficient supply of medical commodities.

01/06/2026

CMST, STANDARD BANK DISCUSS FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS TO BOOST MEDICINE SUPPLY

The Central Medical Stores Trust (CMST) has engaged Standard Bank in discussions aimed at strengthening financial solutions to improve the delivery of medicines and medical supplies across Malawi.

A key issue raised during the meeting was the need for reliable access to foreign exchange, which is critical for importing pharmaceuticals since most medical supplies are sourced from outside the country.

CMST Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Moses Chisale, emphasised that strong banking support is essential for effective planning and ensuring Malawians have access to affordable, quality medicines.

On his part, Standard Bank CEO Mr. Phillip Madinga described CMST as a vital national institution, pledging the bank’s commitment to go beyond a transactional relationship and provide meaningful support.

CMST currently supplies essential medicines and medical commodities to over 700 public and affiliated health facilities nationwide.

Strengthening financial partnerships is key to ensuring an uninterrupted supply of essential medicines and improved healthcare delivery in Malawi.

15/05/2026

CMST INTRODUCES NEW CEO TO MZUZU CENTRAL HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT

CMST Trustee Mr Mbaluso Banda has this afternoon presented the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Dr Moses Chisale, to management of Mzuzu Central Hospital (MCH).

The engagement forms part of ongoing stakeholder introductions aimed at strengthening collaboration between CMST and key healthcare institutions.

Speaking during the meeting, Mr Banda underscored the CMST Board’s trust in Dr Chisale’s experience and its confidence in his ability to implement the institution’s ambitious strategy.

“The Board has trust in Dr Chisale’s experience and confidence in his ability to steer CMST forward and deliver on its strategic ambitions,” he said.

Mzuzu Central Hospital Director General, Dr Doris Kayambo, highlighted the hospital’s expectations from CMST, particularly the need for a reliable and uninterrupted supply of medical commodities.

“As a facility, we have high expectations from CMST, including ensuring an uninterrupted supply of commodities, especially as we prepare to open a dialysis unit,” said Dr Kayambo.

Dr Chisale said he was aware of the demanding task it is to lead CMST, with need to always apply a client-focused approach in meeting needs of health facilities.

The interaction underscored the importance of strong partnerships in delivering quality healthcare services and ensuring consistent availability of essential medicines and supplies.

15/05/2026

CEO COMMENDS LONG-SERVING STAFF MEMBER AT RMS NORTH

CMST Chief Executive Officer Dr Moses Chisale has commended Ms Joyce Chitaya, a Senior Warehouse Assistant at RMS North who has recently retired, describing her as a dedicated, honest, and exemplary employee whose service reflects positively on CMST.

Dr Chisale noted that Ms Chitaya’s long-standing contribution, dating back to the days of the predecessor Central Medical Stores (CMS) when it operated as a government department, speaks to her commitment and professionalism.

“Ms Chitaya’s dedication and integrity have left a lasting mark on CMST. Her work ethic and service are a model for others to follow,” said Dr Chisale.

Ms Chitaya expressed appreciation for what she described as a well-deserved send-off and reflected warmly on her time at the institution.

“I am happy and grateful for the recognition. It has been an honour to serve,” she said, encouraging her colleagues to remain dependable and trustworthy in their work.

She urged staff to uphold high standards of integrity and commitment as they continue to support CMST’s mandate.

15/05/2026

RMS NORTH WELCOMES NEW CEO

The Central Medical Stores Trust (CMST) Board has today formally introduced its newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Dr Moses Chisale, to staff at Regional Medical Stores (RMS) North in Mzuzu.

Speaking on behalf of Board Chairperson Mrs Tadala Hamisi Mengezi, CMST Trustee Mr Mbaluso Banda said the appointment of Dr Chisale followed a careful and thorough process, expressing the Board’s full confidence in his leadership and experience.

“We are confident that with his experience, leadership, and understanding of the sector, Dr Chisale is the right person to take CMST forward at this important time,” said Mr Banda.

Mr Banda reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to providing the new CEO with full strategic support, while emphasizing the critical role staff play in delivering CMST’s mandate.

“Institutions do not succeed on leadership alone. Staff remain the operational strength of CMST,” he said, urging employees to support the new CEO in ensuring the uninterrupted availability of medicines and medical supplies across Malawi.

He further encouraged a culture of teamwork, openness, accountability, and mutual respect across the institution.

Speaking after his introduction, Dr Chisale expressed gratitude to the Board and staff, outlining his commitment to strengthening service delivery.

“I am honoured to join CMST at such a critical time. With the support of staff, the Board, and our stakeholders, it is possible to make CMST’s service more efficient,” he said.

“My focus will be on working with all of you to ensure reliability in the supply chain, and to build a culture of accountability, teamwork, and performance. Together, we must ensure that every Malawian has consistent access to essential medicines and medical supplies.”

The Mzuzu engagement forms part of a nationwide introduction of the new CEO, following similar engagements recently held at RMS South in Blantyre, CMST Headquarters, and RMS Centre.

12/05/2026

CMST HOSTS NBS BANK

The Chief Executive Officer of the Central Medical Stores Trust (CMST), Dr Moses Chisale, today hosted NBS Bank for a strategic discussion on key financing priorities.

The discussions focused on critical areas, including the availability of foreign exchange for the establishment of suppliers’ letters of credit, financing for CMST’s operational needs such as fleet acquisition, construction of additional warehousing infrastructure, and workplace banking solutions for staff.

Speaking during the engagement, NBS Bank Relationship Manager Mr Andrew Zainga noted that the bank’s business portfolio is well positioned to competitively respond to CMST’s financing requirements.

NBS Head of Business Banking, Miss Penelope Mwale, explained that the visit also served as a courtesy call to congratulate Dr Chisale on his recent appointment, while exploring opportunities for strengthened collaboration.

Dr Chisale welcomed the engagement and emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing CMST’s mandate.

He said reliable financial partnerships are critical to strengthening the medical commodities supply chain and expanding CMST’s operational capacity, expressing optimism about building a mutually beneficial relationship.

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.

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.

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