Sir Puka blames delay in funding for health system issues

DELAYS in releasing funds have caused many problems in the country’s health system, former health minister and Abau MP Sir Puka Temu says.
Sir Puka said the problem faced by the Department of Health was not lack of funding but delay in releasing funds.
He resigned from his ministerial portfolio earlier this month after expressing lack of confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.
Sir Puka said the procrastinated procurement processes from tendering to Central Supplies and Tenders Board (CSTB) decisions to once slow release of funds were all contributing factors.
“Luckily, we have committed suppliers who don’t take us to court for not paying them on time,” Sir Puka said.
“I thank them for their understanding and cooperation.”
Temu said on many occasions they received all the approvals but the cash flow systems had caused the problems.
He said there should not be any medicine shortages at this time unless the four logistics companies engaged in the distribution of the 100 per cent Kits did not deliver on time.
“All area medical stores should have sufficient stock,” he said.
“There will be a period towards the end of the year of some stock out if the recently NEC-approved Kit orders and antibiotics are not be funded on time to purchase and distribute.
“However, all approvals have already been given but again it depends on our cash flow situation which will fail our efforts once more if funds are not released on time.”