The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has acquired four trucks to enhance the transportation and distribution of pharmaceuticals and clinical supplies throughout the country, as well as alleviate the strain on its ageing fleet.

Valued at more than N$10 million, the new trucks were unveiled by Health Minister Dr. Kalumbi Shangula at the Otjiwarongo State Hospital.

The newly acquired trucks will be utilised by the central and regional medical stores to strengthen the supply chain, thereby allowing for more efficient and timely deliveries.

"The Central Medical Stores' distribution network provides pharmaceutical and clinical supplies directly to about 40 health facilities on a six-weekly cycle. This includes 21 out of the 29 district hospitals, 4 intermediate hospitals, the National Tertiary Referral Hospital, and 2 regional medical stores. In turn, these regional medical stores and the facilities served directly by the Central Medical Stores supply pharmaceuticals and clinical supplies to the more than 350 health facilities. This addition to the fleet will go a long way towards supporting our goal to increase the frequency of delivery of life-saving medicines and clinical supplies to health facilities across the country," said Dr. Shangula.

Shangula used the platform to call on medical staff to always promote the rational use of medicines and avoid overprescribing and waste.

"As such, our health care professionals must take due care to always promote rational use of medicines and avoid overprescribing and wastage. They must always provide adequate information to patients about the importance of completing the prescription course and the correct use and storage of medicines to ensure efficacy and improved health outcomes. I am emphasising the correct use of medicines, particularly the completion of the course of treatment for the number of days it is prescribed to be taken, to avoid what we call antimicrobial resistance."

Dr. Shangula also unveiled four of the 420 wheelchairs that have been procured by the Ministry and will be distributed to all 14 regions.