New system means no more drug shortages
― 96 per cent of drugs stocked
DPI, Guyana, Monday, April 8, 2019
A new system for procuring drugs in advance is having great success with inventories reaching a 96 per cent stock level.
Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence noted at a recent public engagement that it is the first time in the history of the provision of drugs that the stock rate is this high. With the increase, the ministry is forging ahead with the completion of the Kingston drug bond.
“For the very first time, we don’t have enough place to store drugs, our bonds are out of capacity, we have 96 per cent of the drugs so you not hearing them anymore about drugs; you notice that is not their song anymore.”
Director of the Materials Management Unit (MMU), Cecil Jacques explained that in the past stocking rates varied within the 60-75 per cent brackets and the fact that the stock level is now above 90 per cent shows significant improvement in the procurement and acquisition of drugs.
“There is no major medicine shortage we have all the medicines that are required to provide primary healthcare. As a matter fact, only recently, the Linden hospital complex senior pharmacist reported that it is the first time in her 20 plus years of experience that she had a 95.6% fulfilment rate of medicines.”
Jacques added that once there is proper forecasting, planning and budgeting in place, the 90 per cent rate could be exceeded.
“We are endeavouring to meet with the Ministry of Communities since they are responsible for RHOs budgeting accurately for medicines and medical supplies in the 2020 budget.”
Delicia Haynes.
Images: Jules Gibson.