SI PM SPEAKS ABOUT DRUG SHORTAGES
Quoting the Solomon Star newspaper – 16 July 2018
“PRIME Minister Rick Hou says the shortage of drugs and essential suppliers at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara is due to poor communication problem and the process involved to get the medications.
“He revealed this to the media on Sunday in an urgent press conference.
“However, he said the drug shortage situation is now under control.
“We now have all the critical drugs needed at the NRH with the final stocks to be cleared this week,” he said.
“PM Hou explained the problem of drug shortages was due to procurement process and lack of communication by staff manning the system in the ministry.
“He said some officers failed to communicate with the National Medical Stores after drugs ran out at NRH.
“There are some drugs still left at the National Medical Stores.
“However due to lack of communication, it delays the supply of drugs to NRH,” he said.
“Furthermore, PM Hou, said ordering medical drugs is different to other products like noodles because you have to wait for the manufactured companies to produce them first.
“Furthermore, PM Hou, said in domestic procurement system, the list of drugs items will have to go through the Ministerial Tender Board and the Central Tender Board for approval.
“He said all this process takes time to complete the procurement order.
“Despite the hiccups, PM Hou assured the public that everything is under control and dispelled any criticisms in the media.
“Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services Dr Tenneth Dalipanda was also present at the press conference yesterday.”
Copyright : Solomon Star.
