AusAID supply cancer drugs

TWO major health facilities received a timely donation from AusAID yesterday of cancer drugs worth K2.8 million.
The 260 boxes of cancer drugs will be distributed between the Port Moresby General Hospital and Angau Memorial Hospital in Lae, Morobe. 
Health Secretary Pascoe Kase acknowledged Australia for the assistance and said the donation was a show of AusAID’s support to the health sector in PNG to ease the burden of procuring drugs for the hospital.
“This is a continued support from Australia and the health department would like to acknowledge that. It is a timely assistance when there is the problem of drug shortage in the country because of various reasons.
“Cancer is on the rise in PNG and the health department is grateful for the assistance to counter the problem.
“What is budgeted for the procurement of cancer drugs can now be used on other important matters as we can now rely on this package.” 
The supply includes a range of chemotherapy supplies required for many types of cancers and associate drugs to counter sideeffects.
The supply is estimated to support both hospitals for a year.
Head of AusAID in PNG Stuart Schaefer said adequate drug stock was critical to the ongoing provision of oncology services at both hospitals.
“There have been issues with drug procurement at the national level and this has led to dangerously low stock levels. These drugs will ensure that current patients are able to continue their treatments and new patients can start a course of medication.” 
Last year, AusAID distributed 16,060 boxes of medical supplies to 706 health centers and 2101 aid posts which co­vered about 95% of health facilities .
Schaefer said Australia has procured over A$24 million (K53.76 million) worth of essential medical supplies for delivery to all health facilities in PNG for 2012 and 2013.
The AusAID and the national department of health are working closely in managing, safe-handling and procuring medical drugs for PNG.
AusAID said the Australian government has committed its support to assist PNG in establishing an independent health procurement authority which was agreed to by the prime minister and health minister.