The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has taken the decision to directly procure pharmaceutical and clinical items from suppliers due to challenges with unreliable supplies.
This announcement was made by the Minister, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, during the opening of the Annual National Pharmaceutical Services Forum in Otjiwarongo.
Pharmacists from various districts gathered in Otjiwarongo to address the challenges they encounter in their respective regions.
The issue discussed revolves around the unreliable procurement of pharmaceutical and clinical supplies, mainly stemming from the lack of long-term contracts that impede proper planning and predictability.
Dr. Shangula highlighted that this situation has resulted in shortages of crucial medicines and clinical items in hospitals, health centres, and clinics.
"We have worked together with the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprise and the Central Procurement Board (CPB) to resolve the problem. The Ministry of Health and Social Services is procuring pharmaceutical and clinical items directly from suppliers as it has been experiencing challenges with unreliable supplies. Parallel to this process, the CPB will arrange for the procurement of those items for seven months. At the same time, the CPB will put in place a multi-year contract for three years."
With the implementation of the new procurement approach, Dr. Shangula is confident that the shortage of medicine and clinical supplies will become a thing of the past.
On his part, Governor James Uerikua highlighted the existing complexities within the pharmaceutical supply chain, underscoring the need for effective solutions and improvements in the system.
"The manufacturing of drugs at the production site, the transfer to wholesalers for distribution, and the stocking of various types of pharmaceuticals and pharmacies, including retails in mail order. Negotiation of prices and processes through quality and utilisation of management checks, and finally pharmacies dispense drugs to patients who take them as prescribed," he added.
Erongo secured first place, followed by Khomas and Oshana, as the top three best-performing regions based on their overall and report submissions.
The Oshakati Intermediate Hospital achieved first place, with Usakos District Hospital and Onandjokwe Hospital securing second and third places, respectively.