Dept aware of shortage of ART drugs: Minister

THE Department of Health is aware of a shortage of medicine which it is addressing, Health and HIV/AIDS Minister Sir Puka Temu, pictured, says.
It is working on securing medical supplies including the antiretroviral (ART) medicines for the next six months, he said.
Sir Puka clarified the department had not run out of drugs.
“We have not run out but, yes, we are short,” he said.
“Unicef will deliver in two weeks.
“I’m going to ensure we have another order from our medical supplies budget to give us a 6-month buffer.
“How much is what I’m working on right now.”
There are some medicines expected to arrive in Port Moresby by Thursday for the National AIDS Council “as emergency supply”.
Health Secretary Pascoe Kase said they were some medicines which were in short supply and that they were getting more.
The department will brief the Government on the status of medicine supply in the country and a statement would be released today.
“There is sufficient supply,” he said.
“We cannot allow people living with HIV who are on ART to be without medicines.
“So we will make sure that they will get their supplies.”
Kase said more 100 per cent medical kits had arrived and would be distributed.