By SEPKOLIN WALNE
Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa has raised grave concerns about the shortage of medical drugs across throughout PNG.
He told Parliament that there was a critical shortage of medical drugs over the past few weeks.
“We have received letters coming in from Provincial Health Authorities throughout the country and that indicates a critical shortage of drugs,” Mr Tomuriesa said.
“Two weeks ago, I was in Alotau and was informed of a critical drug shortage at the general hospital.”
He added that the shortage was not only in Milne Bay Provinces but throughout the country.
“There are a lot of deaths caused by curable diseases that we can sort out these medical issues,” Mr Tomuriesa said.
“There is a greater need for an urgent approach not only from the minister and his secretaries but from the government as a whole.”
The Opposition Leader questioned Health Minister Elias Kapavore on the critical drug shortages.
“Is it because we don’t have money, management issues in the department of health or money for the health sector has been allocated to other sectors,” he asked.
In response, Health Minister Kapavore said it was not about the funding.
“This year, the Government allocated K295 million for the medical supplies in the country, and we got K150 million out of the total amount.
“Last week, our Government released another K50 million for our medical supplies and we also communicated with the medical suppliers manager and all our CEOs on what is actually happening,” Minister Kapavore said.