THE Health Department is facing difficulties in supplying anti-malarial drugs to health centres and clinics across the country, Deputy Secretary Dr Paison Dakulala says.
Dakulala told The National in Port Moresby yesterday that he was aware that health centres and clinics did not have anti-malarial drugs and the Health Department was working to address the shortage urgently.
“Right now we have cut down all the other alternatives to work within our K3 million budget for the month of March to address the shortage of anti-malarial drugs,” he said.
Dakulala said the Health Secretary’s office had a meeting yesterday and declared the shortage an emergency.
“We are now working on the anti-malarial medications to get the quantity that’s required to distribute to all our health districts and health facilities,” he said.
“The reason this has come about is more to do with funding that we are given.” He said the money to pay for all other drugs and supplies which amount to more than K64 million was also pending.
“And we are given only just
a small amount which is the situation with the cash flow,” Dakulala said.
“That’s the situation for us.
“It is not easy but we are working hard to manage this.
“Our hope is that within the shortest time possible we will solve the shortage issue.
“In the meantime, we urge those health facilities with adequate supplies to continue to help those in critical need.”
Dakulala told The National in Port Moresby yesterday that he was aware that health centres and clinics did not have anti-malarial drugs and the Health Department was working to address the shortage urgently.
“Right now we have cut down all the other alternatives to work within our K3 million budget for the month of March to address the shortage of anti-malarial drugs,” he said.
Dakulala said the Health Secretary’s office had a meeting yesterday and declared the shortage an emergency.
“We are now working on the anti-malarial medications to get the quantity that’s required to distribute to all our health districts and health facilities,” he said.
“The reason this has come about is more to do with funding that we are given.” He said the money to pay for all other drugs and supplies which amount to more than K64 million was also pending.
“And we are given only just
a small amount which is the situation with the cash flow,” Dakulala said.
“That’s the situation for us.
“It is not easy but we are working hard to manage this.
“Our hope is that within the shortest time possible we will solve the shortage issue.
“In the meantime, we urge those health facilities with adequate supplies to continue to help those in critical need.”
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