Coordination for better supply of medical drugs

By JASON SOM KAUT
INCONSISTENT supply of medical drugs remains a major challenge facing the effective delivery of health services in the country.
Health Minister Sasa Zibe said “stringent control” and better coordination in supplying medical drugs to public hospitals and clinics nationwide be made available.
The minister was on a guided tour last Friday of the Angau Memorial Hospital accompanied by Angau boss Dr Polapoi Chalau, board members, national health officials and doctors.
They visited the termite infested Angau ending with a closed door-board meeting at midday.
Two weeks ago, Minister Zibe and Morobe Governor Luther Wenge accompanied Chinese Ambassador to PNG Wei Ruixing on another visit of the hospital where Mr Wei promised to seek the Chinese government’s assistance in rehabilitating or rebuilding Angau.
It is believed to cost some K300 million to rebuild Angau to meet the rising health demands of an ever-increasing population.
Angau is the country’s main referral hospital seeing over 35,000 patients from Momase and Highlands each month.
At the hospital’s pharmacy, they were told by officer in charge Sister Lucy Kenes of the “frustrations” of inconsistent supply of medical drugs and lack of coordination between Area Medical Stores and hospitals and clinics.
Mr Zibe said: “Hospital’s must establish their annual requirements and then plan for 12 months supply so we target suppliers overseas and Area Medical Stores (AMS) and ensure drugs do not run out and the people’s right to basic health services is fulfilled.”
He also promised to look into acquiring a new cancer machine for the Angau Cancer Unit.