Drugs supply ‘ongoing challenge’

THE procurement, supply, management and distribution of medicines have been an ongoing “system-wide challenge” for many years, says Health secretary Pacoe Kase.
Kase told a press conference on Tuesday that the issue was not new and his removal would not provide an immediate solution.
He made the statement in response to the National Doctors Association’s demand for his resignation to address issues such as the shortage of medicines in the country.
“I make this media statement because my efforts to communicate with the president and secretary of the NDA was unsuccessful,” Kase said.
“There are many reasons why medicines may not be available in some of our health facilities such as: a lack of timely ordering of medicines by health centre, a delay and timely placing of the order by the department, delays in the tendering and procurement process, irregular release of funds, a lack of consumption data, theft of medicines, and poor planning and forecasting,” he said.
Kase said under his stewardship the department had done a great deal to address medical supplies problem.
“We have established direct procurement for TB, HIV, and Malaria programme commodities and vaccines with Unicef while we improve the Government system,” he said.
“Our system certainly has challenges but I am working with the department and the minister and all concerned parties to address these.”
Kase said NDA executives of NDA were senior management members of his team and he expected them to advise his office on technical aspects and how things could be done better.
“My door has always been open over the years for such advice and as the department head expect a better and more mature approach from them.”