THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services will strictly monitor personnel responsible for the systems needed to calculate the demand for medication from the general public.
Health and Medical Services Minister Jone Usamate said the ministry was currently reviewing its medication distribution systems.
Mr Usamate said he was aware of the issue as a pressing problem with health centres around the country.
“I was in Vanua Levu two weeks ago and I got to see first hand these issues,” he said.
“I am determined to see that these systems are up and running soon.
“These are things that I talk to our personnel about because the smooth running of systems governing the distribution of these medications is important in ensuring that each member of the public has equal access to medication.”
Mr Usamate said the ministry would also ensure that health centres and hospitals around the country with outdated or damaged equipment received replacements.
“There is a budget for such replacements and we will work strictly according to this budget,” he said.
“The service of this equipment in health work is fundamental and we will see to it that this equipment is available to personnel.
“We will also have a special budget that will oversee the replacement and updating of equipment but this will take time.”
Mr Usamate was speaking during the opening of the new Northern Dialysis Centre in Labasa on Friday.
