Doc: Scabies cream available

By LULU MARK
SCABIES cream is available at the area medical stores but has not reached some facilities due to communication issues, Health Department secretary Dr Osborne Liko says.
He was responding to questions by the media regarding claims of a scabies epidemic in Papua New Guinea and reports of a lack of scabies medication at Government health facilities across the country.
Dr Liko said it was not an epidemic affecting the population as an epidemic would.
He said it was only an outbreak of a skin infection.
Dr Liko said in terms of the scabies cream or lotion, there was enough supply in Port Moresby, Lae and Mt Hagen area medical stores.
He said Kokopo and Wewak area medical stores did not have it so as of Tuesday, arrangements were made and the stores were re-supplied.
“For those in Moresby, Goroka and Chimbu where there is infection and they are saying there is no scabies lotion, that is not true,” he said.
“We have now instructed all our dispensaries and hospitals to go to the localised area medical stores and get supplies.
“It’s there, but they didn’t go and communication is the issue.”
Dr Liko said when there was a demand and when there was no supply available at the health facilities, the prices at the private suppliers went up.
“We have those scabies cream at the area medical store and health facilities should pick it up.”
He said using home remedies such as herbs were part of the traditional medicine but it could also worsen the condition.
Dr Liko advised people to comply with prevention and control methods such as using clean water, keeping the environment clean and maintaining good hygiene to prevent the spread.