There is no shortage of drugs: Kase

There is no shortage of medical drugs in the country says Health Secretary Pascoe Kase.

The Secretary made this statement after media reports of medical drugs shortages surfaced.  

“I reiterate that funding is not an issue and there are medical supplies available in all Area Medical Stores to be issued to health facilities in the country. Any shortage of drugs in the provinces and at facility level is manageable,” Kase said.   

“The Department of Health works in close collaboration with relevant government agencies to ensure that health facilities receive funds adequate to maintain appropriate stock level of medical supplies and provision of health services.

“On the issue of drug shortages in the provinces, five area medical stores have been requested to submit their stock list of items for immediate procurement for health facilities.

Kase urged all Provincial Health Advisors, CEOs of Public Hospitals, Provincial Health Authorities and Medical Supplies managers at the facility level to work together to ensure that medical supplies management is coordinated well throughout your respective provinces.

“I urge all those in charge of keeping inventory and placing orders for medical drugs to be pro-active and place orders well in advance to avoid shortages in the provinces and facilities.”

He added that an investigation will be conducted on reports of drugs been sold on the streets.

(File picture)

Author: 
Charles Yapumi