VILLAGERS of Aisalinga clinic, located in Ward 29 of the Central Kwara’ae electorate in Malaita, are calling on the national government through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) to urgently address the ongoing drug shortage.
Reports indicated that Aisalinga clinic, which serves a significant population along Busutara Road, has been grappling with a prolonged drug shortage that poses a serious threat to the health of vulnerable patients in rural communities.
A concerned villager Peter Misuka expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of action regarding the drug shortage, which has persisted for the past four months.
He highlighted the troubling increase in malaria cases in the area as a direct consequence of insufficient medical supplies.
“I recently visited the clinic and was disheartened to find that Coartem drug was unavailable.
“This is serious for us, as we have seen several malaria cases,” Mr. Misuka
He further noted that patients are often directed to purchase malaria medication from private clinics in Auki.
“This is too much for us. I am appealing to the government to take action. Health is more important than anything else because it impacts lives.”
Mr. Misuka emphasized the community’s frustration, stating; “We pay taxes every year, expecting that money to be allocated to health services.
“What we are experiencing now is disappointing. I urge the national government to resolve this issue quickly,” Mr Misuka said.
It is understanding that most of rural clinic in Malaita have experience similar issue of drug shortage.
According to a recent report Minister of Health Paul Popora Bosawai stated that he will work hard to ensure the medicine supply shortage returns to normalcy.
He also apologised to citizens who has been victimized by this medicine and consumable supply shortage and pledges to fix the medicine shortage crisis.
He assures the nation that he will work hard to ensure medicine supply shortage return to normalcy.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
