Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu says the ministry continues to face challenges in receiving consumables, perishables, and medications from overseas and is aware of public concerns about shortages in hospitals.
Responding to a patient’s relative who was asked to bring their own dressing kits and bed sheets to the Nausori Health Centre, Dr Lalabalavu explained that 100 per cent of these items are imported, and supply delays remain an ongoing issue.
To ease the burden on staff, he said the ministry seeks alternative solutions, such as borrowing medical supplies from other facilities and redistributing them where needed.
“There will always be an issue of shortages in consumables, perishables, and medications simply for the fact that we order 100 per cent of those items from overseas. We don’t manufacture them locally,” Dr Lalabalavu said.
“We are challenged with receiving those items based on a number of factors.
“It can be external factors, whether it’s the supply chain, or internal factors, such as our own ordering processes and stock management.
“It can also be issues with our own supply chains here. So, we will look at it at a number of levels, and while we continue to raise orders, items are usually delayed.
“From there, we do alternate forms of ordering, like short-term RFQs, so we can buy locally or even look at other facilities, borrow from them, and place items where they are most needed.
“But nevertheless, we are truthful with our patients. If we don’t have it, they can access it on their own.
“The supply comes in every month or even fortnightly, but you must remember, we are receiving supplies that are both donated and purchased.”
