By SEPKOLIN WALNE
Health Minister Elias Kapavore has urged citizens to report the illegal sale of medical drugs in the streets and market places.
The illegal sale of medical drugs is a growing issue in Papua New Guinea.
Medicines are sold without licenses or prescriptions in markets and by street vendors, posing serious public health risks.
Minister Kapavore said a police fraud squad is in place to arrest anyone involved in supplying medical drugs for sale on the marketplace.
“If people are aware of such activities, they should report them to the authorities.”
He noted the lack of communication between transit stores and provincial pharmacies.
“They need to effectively communicate and inform each other about stock-out issues of drugs,” Mr Kapavore said.
The Health Minister also urged people along the Highlands Highway to ensure that medical supplies reached their destinations safely.
“As I am speaking, big trucks that are supposed to deliver medicine to Mt Hagen and follow the Okuk Highway going up to the Highlands Region, there are some problems along the road.
“Instead of taking the medicine, all the trucks are in Lae, and they are still waiting to transfer the drugs.
“There are a lot of challenges going on in sending medical supplies to our village and communities,” Mr Kapavore said.