Dr Dalipanda: Drugs, medical supply levels is improving
THE current situation facing drugs and medical supplies at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) and National Medical Store (NMS) has improved significantly.
This was revealed by the Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services Dr Tenneth Dalipanda in a statement last week.
“Whilst there are still shortages of drugs and medical supplies bring experiences, the situation continues to improve,” he said.
Dr Dalipanda added: “we have reached 91 percent availability of stocks of medicines and 76% availability of consumables at NRH.
“The National Medical Store currently has 91% availability of medicines and 78% availability of consumables. As more stocks arrive, these figures will continue to improve,” he said.
Dr Dalipanda last week responded to comments in the press and social media about lack of examination gloves that are available at the National Referral Hospital (NRH).
“On the issue of examination glove availability at the National Referral Hospital (NRH), I want the public to know that yes, stocks of examination gloves did run out for a short period.
“Additional stocks of these gloves were ordered in July and were expected to be delivered in early October.
“They ended up no arriving until 8th of November and supplies were provided to the NRH next day.
“During the period that stocks were out of supply, sterile gloves were made available to the staff at the NRH for use in ensuring infection control throughout the period,” he said.
On the broader drugs and medical supplies issues, PS Dalipanda added that whilst there are still some items that are out of stocks, the situation has greatly improved and continues to improve.
“The Ministry’s major tender for drugs and medical supplies, the annual tender was finalised in October and orders for the items tendered have been placed.
“Interim order arrangements put in place earlier in the year to cover the gaps in supply coverage that we predicted to occur, have been arriving and will continue to arrive over the coming weeks and months,” Dr Dalipanda said.
The PS concluded by saying; “The Ministry has been working hard to rectify drug shortages and stock outs that have occurred during the year.
“Both World Health Organisation (WHO) and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have provided technical assistance to the Ministry in support of rectifying the shortages that have been experienced and I’m grateful for this support,” he said.