Ministry of Health signs MoU on pharmacopoeia cooperation with India

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Eliza Kukutu

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Pharmacopoeia Cooperation with the Government of India in Honiara.

The MoU was signed by Minister Paul Popora Bosawai and the Indian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Inbasekar Sundaramurthi.

The pharmacopoeia collaboration was one of the MoUs on health cooperation discussed between the governments of India and Solomon Islands earlier this year.

Minister Bosawayi said at the signing ceremony that the MoU will contribute to the development of the health sector in the country.

“The MOU signed today reflects the deepening cooperation between our two countries.”

“I am confident that this agreement will help strengthen our health systems and contribute to our shared goal of achieving universal health coverage by improving access to essential medicines,” he said.

Minister of Health Dr Paul Popora Bosawai and Indian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands His Excellency Inbasekar Sundaramurthi pose with officials after signing the agreement.

Solomon Islands currently procures essential medicines and pharmaceuticals from manufacturers that use British Pharmacopoeia (BP) and United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) standards.

Pharmacopoeias are official publications that provide detailed standards for the quality, purity, strength, and consistency of medicines and their ingredients.

The agreement with India will allow Solomon Islands to procure medicines from manufacturers that adopt Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) standards.

Minister Bosavai stressed at the signing ceremony that the budget for medicines and dressings has remained the same since 2012. This has allowed the Ministry to order medicines and medical supplies based on the available budget rather than the growing demand for services.

Minister of Health Dr Paul Popola Bosavai spoke at the signing ceremony.

He said this was the main reason for the shortage of basic medicines and supplies in hospitals and clinics.

Bosavai added that the agreement will help reduce the cost of paying for medicines in the country.

“Our national medical store typically sources medicines and medical supplies from pre-qualified suppliers on the open market, which are not manufacturers, and coupled with our relatively small orders, the cost of sourcing medical supplies plus international shipping is very expensive.”

“We hope that the MoU signed today will provide the government with the opportunity to obtain quality medicines and supplies at cheaper prices, thereby saving government costs. We believe that this MoU will also lead to other opportunities for our employees in the field of medical products,” he said.

Meanwhile, His Excellency Sandra Murthy expressed gratitude to the present and previous governments for their commitment and support in making the collaboration a success.