BY CHRIS ALEX
IN a heated Parliament session yesterday, Leader of Opposition Hon. Mathew Wale confronted Health Minister Hon. Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai about the persistent issues with medical supply clearance and distribution.
Wale’s questions focused on the effectiveness of the current system, the total number of medical supply containers cleared since Bosawai’s appointment, and future projections for drug supplies.
Minister Bosawai responded by detailing the clearance of 22 full containers and 14 partial loads of medical supplies since taking office five months ago. He praised the collaborative efforts of the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, and the Solomon Islands Ports Authority in facilitating this process. Bosawai noted that six containers are still awaiting clearance but assured that these would be processed by year-end.
Addressing concerns about supply chain inefficiencies, Bosawai reported no expired drugs in the cleared containers due to rigorous stock distribution practices. He highlighted the Ministry’s plan to receive 15 additional containers for the remainder of 2024, though 30% of critical items are still delayed.
Bosawai also outlined the current distribution methods, which include both air and sea freight, and announced plans to explore new distribution strategies, including the potential procurement of a vessel for supply and clinical services in rural areas. He stressed the Ministry’s enhanced security measures at the National Medical Store to prevent unauthorized drug removal and improve overall security.
The Opposition Leader acknowledged the steps taken by the Ministry but emphasized the need for timely payments from the Ministry of Finance to ensure continuous and effective supply chains. Wale criticized delays in payment, which he argued are detrimental to maintaining a reliable supply of medicines. He urged both the Health and Finance Ministries to expedite payments to prevent further shortages.
Bosawai apologized for the current drug shortages and reiterated his commitment to resolving the issues, calling on all stakeholders to act responsibly to ensure the effective distribution of medical supplies.
