03 August 2022
Much-needed health supplies have arrived in the country, with the Ministry of Health working hard to release the containers urgently, first two were released yesterday.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) says that it is fully aware of medical supplies and items that are running out of stock, some of which has been highlighted and discussed over social media platforms.
“With this, health would like to once again confirm that medical supplies for 2021 -2022 including buffer stock for additional 6 months in case of any unforeseen emergencies, that should have arrived early this year have arrived with few more to come in the coming weeks,” a statement from the Health Ministry says.
A total of 20 containers containing medical supplies and consumables are being held at the Solomon Ports pending clearance work.
The Health Ministry says that clearing 20 containers at the ports entails quite a significant amount of paperwork, and the processes to fulfill are enormous let alone compliance issues. They say this is not an excuse but rather an awareness of factors that are causing further delays.
Nevertheless, health is doing its very best and is working closely with freight forwarding agencies including GS agencies, TRADCO, and Express Fright Management to release some of its priority medical supplies, while work on payment progresses.
“This would not have been an issue if the supplies had arrived early this year however and as highlighted in previous press statements the impact of COVID-19 had delayed most of the shipments of these supplies to Honiara.
“Nevertheless, with efforts made in the past days there have generated some positive outcomes.
This morning two containers have been cleared and medical supplies delivered to the National Medical Store. Medical supplies in the two containers contain inhalers, and medical drugs and tomorrow and days to follow health is expecting the remainder of the containers containing plasters, gauze, and IV fluids to be cleared for release and distribution,” the Health Ministry statement reads.
They say with the distribution itself, time will be needed to move the tonnes of medical supplies and consumables from the containers, to the National Medical Store and time will also be needed to make arrangements for shipment to 2nd level medical stores in the provinces and moving the items to their final destination, the health facilities.
Health is aware of this and proactive actions to arrange for shipments are already underway as the containers are being cleared.
Sources: MHMS Media and Solomon Times Online.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
