BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
DRUG shortages have reached an all-time high in the Honiara City Council clinics, East Honiara City Council community health consultant Samo Tagini warned.
Tagini is currently responsible for managing registered nurses at the Honiara City Council (HCC) clinics in Naha, Kukum, and Vura, East Honiara. He is sounding the alarm over the increasing shortages of essential drugs in clinics across the capital city.
He confirmed to SUNDAY ISLES that these underlying causes of drug shortages not only present serious concerns about providing adequate care to patients but also represent serious national health risks.
Tagini revealed that the shortage of vital medicines has been putting patients at risk and creating significant challenges for healthcare providers.
According to the senior nurse, the shortages have been ongoing for several months, with essential medications in short supply. As a result, patients are being forced to either go without their medications or seek alternative and often more expensive options. This has not only added to the financial burden on patients but has also made it difficult for healthcare providers to properly manage their conditions.
“We have had a big shortage since last year,” said Tagini. “That is what we encounter. It has an impact not only in Honiara but also on the entire country. Furthermore, we are clueless about how to manage the problem when it comes to our hands.”
He revealed that sick patients are often advised to visit Honiara’s pharmacies, as they sell medical products.
“All we can suggest is that they buy consumables and any medications that the clinics are low on. If not, they are welcome to return, and we will write a prescription for the medication. Thus, that’s how we handle them. Drug scarcity is a real reality, and individuals struggle in such circumstances.
“There are quite a few drugs that are in short supply right now; it is wise of me to disclose them so that people are aware and can take extra precautions to maintain their health. Thus, people need to take care of their health before the situation gets out of control. Take care of their children to prevent them from being in situations that could make them sick,” according to Tagini.
He believes the new minister for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services can promptly address the drug shortage issue.
“The new Minister of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) is a doctor. I think he is aware of the system, how medications are used in clinics and hospitals, and how to make decisions so that those medications are delivered on time, made available, and don’t linger as long as we have seen.
“Drugs that are exposed to extreme temperatures lose their potency and quality, making them useless for treating illnesses.
“Make sure we don’t go through another medicine scarcity, is my message to the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).
“To keep medications safe in the medical supply store, they have to make sure they have the cash on hand to pay for them when they arrive from the wharf.
“Furthermore, the country’s health should be given first priority since a healthier population boosts the country’s economy,” he explained.
