Prime Minister concerned over drug wastage and poor health supply management

Prime Minister James Marape is concerned there are lapses in the provincial health supply management systems, citing the case of the Milne Bay Provincial Health Authority and drug wastage issues.

He made the remarks following reports by the Department of Health through their Medical Supply electronic monitoring system, a pharmaceutical stock movement tracker, that reported close to K236,000 worth of expired drugs reported at the Milne Bay Provincial Medical store.

The Prime Minister was adamant, data from MSupply clearly showed a lack of responsibility and accountability by the provincial transit store which recorded no stock audits or orders for over a month resulting in critical inefficiencies and wastage.

He added when public officers fail to perform their duties diligently, they directly compromise the health and lives of our people and this is totally unacceptable.

NBC News sought comments from the Milne Bay Provincial Health Authority. CEO Dr Perista Mamadi declined to respond directly to Prime Minister Marape’s remarks but said a report on the expired drugs and wastage issue is being compiled for Health Minister Elias Kapavore.

He hopes this will then be taken up to the Prime Minister as is due process.