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The National Referral Hospital (NRH) operating theatre has been placed on emergency status, meaning services have been scaled back due to shortage of surgical consumables and anaesthetic drugs. Meanwhile, services in other departments within the NRH remain normal.
Now, the operating room is only handling emergencies, C-sections and life-threatening cases until enough drugs are available.
The decision was taken following a meeting between hospital authorities and MHMS management this week.
NRH confirmed they are working to source some emergency medications from local pharmacies while patiently awaiting the arrival of some much-needed medications in containers at the Point Cruz terminal, as well as medications from overseas suppliers.
Meanwhile, the National Medical Depot has confirmed adequate stocks of wool, gauze and antibiotics, with another six containers of anti-malarial drugs, plasters, urine bags and other medical supplies awaiting financial approval at the Solomon Islands Ports Authority.
The clarification came amid reports of shortages of wool, gauze and other medicines at health facilities across the country.
The medicines in the national drug store and dock stocks awaiting clearance were purchased by the Solomon Islands Government through its annual procurement process, which was carried out during last year’s 2023-2024 tender cycle.
According to this cycle, 15 containers of medicines and medical supplies are expected to arrive in the country by the end of this year.
The statement also confirmed the first shipment of medicines had arrived following the Australian Government’s announcement last month of $9.1 million in pharmaceutical aid.
These include anti-malarial drugs, which have already arrived and are being distributed to provincial health facilities. Under this arrangement, additional drugs and medical supplies are being procured and will arrive in the country by air and sea in the next four to eight weeks.
On the other hand, NRH and NMS management are currently reviewing internal systems and standard operating procedures to ensure that there is efficient communication and standard processes to ensure timely monitoring and replenishment of medicines and medical supplies to avoid shortages of medicines in health facilities.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the National Drug Store assured the public that they are working with donors and development partners to ensure that essential medicines are procured and delivered to health facilities across the country.
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Government Statement
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