For the first time in 2014, the Government of Papua New Guinea has undertaken a mass procurement of 100% medical supply kits and is distributing them throughout the country.
This procurement process is seeing the availability of medicines in rural facilities nationwide.
Secretary for Health Pascoe Kase says the Government in supporting the health sector in strengthening the responsiveness and accountability of the medical supply system has re-established the Pharmaceutical Tenders Board and it is functions.
He says in addition to that, funding for medical supplies has steadily increased during the last three years and our challenge is to manage procurement and distribution effectively to avoid shortages.
A system called M Supply is now established to assist address this issues.
“We are currently rehabilitating the Badili Area Medical store and constructing Provincial Transit stores in all provinces,” Kase says.
He adds that a training course for Pharmacy Assistant program has been negotiated with the Medical School and is progressing.
Picture source: Loop file picture