“…no [health] centre should claim they are without supplies,” – Min. Lawrence

─ urges the public to “call me” when told otherwise

─ systems in place to investigate claims of unavailable medication

efforts will continue to ensure an efficient system

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, July 11, 2018

As there continues to be debate around the availability of medical supplies Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence has unequivocally reiterated that there are adequate supplies. She wants patients told otherwise by health care practitioners to call her.

“Certainly it’s 226-1818 or call me on 608-4001; because no centre should claim that they are without supplies.  All they have to do is pick up the phone and call the next centre or call the hospital in their district. That is how it works.” The minister added “but some persons are not doing that. So, we have personnel now are designated to contact various institutions to ensure they have the critical drugs and medical supplies.”

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence at PAC.

Minister Lawrence said there are established systems in place to investigate claims of unavailable medication at health centres and other medical facilities.

“Whenever we receive complains, we investigate immediately and not only investigate that the claim that there are no drugs or medical supplies; we also investigate internally to see whether requests were made and where are those requests and when was the last time they were supplied,” the Public Health Minister said.

According to Minister Lawrence, impromptu visits and other methods will be used to continually monitor what happens at medical facilities across the country.

In addition, the minister said that despite there being an adequate supply of drugs and medical supplies in the system, her major concern is ensuring that these get to the people who need them most. She also noted that efforts will continue to guarantee the system becomes more efficient.

“I have been assured that the drugs that are in the system can meet the needs of the people of Guyana and that’s more important to us. What’s more important to me, however, is to ensure those drugs and medical supplies do not sit in the bond. Unless it meets the point of distribution which are the hospitals, the health centres and health posts then I can say we are meeting our objectives in ensuring there is access to these medicines and supplies by our people and that is what we are working on right now. To ensure that whether you are in Imbamadai or Baramita those health facilities are stocked with the necessary drugs,” Minister Lawrence said.

By: Kidackie Amsterdam

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