The Medical Store is being restocked with drugs and consumables, which will help to reduce the current drug shortage.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has taken note of concerns and experiences shared in print and on social media regarding shortages of certain medical drugs, including delays with the release of medical containers that were held at Solomon Ports last week.
MHMS has acknowledged the concerns raised and is providing an update on the situation, focusing on the national stock level. It will also be working with other ministries to accelerate the replenishment and distribution of stocks.
The national stock level for pharmaceuticals is at 78 percent as of last week.
94 per cent for consumables. Consumables have a sufficient supply
For the next 6 month, the drug stock level is still below the recommended threshold. The shortages are due to this.
Across the country, some people are experiencing problems with certain medicines.
The 78 percent stock level is expected improve with the ongoing work.
Offloading of 13 containers and release from National Medical Store
Even if you only have 3 more 40 container containers, it is still progress.
Foot containers due to arrive in this month
Five of the thirteen containers being unloaded at NMS contain
Normal saline, four containers of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and two containers
Plaster, cotton wool and peanut ruff are included in the package. The incinerator is for the National Referral Hospital. This week, 5 containers have been emptied and returned to Port.
The remaining 12 containers in the Solomon Ports are now ready for loading.
NMS will continue this weekend. The 12
Containers: 1 contains gumboots; 1 contains Anti-Malaria (coartem); 1 container is antiseptic and disinfectant. 2 containers are sodium lactate infusion compound, which is used to replace body minerals and rehydrate the patient. 6 containers more contain normal saline, and 1 container antibiotics.
This should help to improve the stock levels after loading and offloading from ports.
Updated stock levels and completion.
National Medical Store communicates with Solomon Ports weekly
Regarding these containers as opposed to claims that the health does not take any
The responsibility for remaining containers in the ports.
The Ministry of Health has also been working closely together with the Ministry of
Finance and Partners and at no time did the Ministry of Finance blame the Ministry of Finance
As reported in the media, there were delays in the delivery of the containers by Solomon Ports.
It has instead requested that finance prioritise the release of medical equipment held by
Solomon Ports
Health has reached out to its partners for assistance in paying outstanding bills
The company continues to be grateful for the support it has received so far.
New Zealand and Australia have a joint agreement with the Australian Government on medical supplies, finance and financing.
The New Zealand Government has provided 3 million SBD in recent months to settle outstanding debts
The bills are sent to the suppliers, shipping agents both domestic and international.
Port charges
The Government of New Zealand has set a 3 million dollar threshold as the minimum amount for which an imprest can be made.
Holdings with NMS have been increased to 150,000SBD from 50,000SBD.
MoFT increased the maximum amount that could be written on a check under this 150,000SBD escrow from 5000SBD, to 20,000SBD. Any charges between 5,000SBD – 20,000SBD are easily accommodated by one cheque. The discussions with other partners are continuing.
In this letter, the Ministry would like to thank our donors for their support.
Health requests are responded to by the Ministry of Finance.
Prioritization of payment for medical containers and outstanding bills
Also, arrangements are made for domestic distribution in order to replenish the stocks of provinces.
It is underway to quickly ship the new stocks that are being offloaded, after they have been recorded, repackaged and ready for shipment. Alternative arrangements are being considered for local shipment in the provinces.
The discussions will be relayed.
The delays have been caused by multiple factors as we’ve stated in the past.
Restock stocks and distribute to all parts of the country quickly after dispatch
From the manufacturer to the international shipment, clearing at the ports, unloading
From containers to shipping to the provinces.
Health has been working hard to reduce the lead time for replenishing national drug stock levels to 85 percent or more, taking into account increased consumption rates.
Next week we will provide an update to keep us all informed.
Source: Press Release from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services
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