HEALTH MINISTER UNAWARE OF ENBPHA MOVE TO BOYCOTT NATIONAL MEDICAL SUPPLY SYSTEM

BY NIGEL MADO

CONSIDERING the recent announcement by the East New Britain Provincial Health Authority to forgo the procurement of drugs through the National Medical Supply System, Health Minister Elias Kapavore has indicated that he has no knowledge of this move.

Last week, the ENB PHA had announced that they would be relinquishing its use of the NMSS to procure their own drugs for the 32 health facilities in the province, with CEO Dr. Ako Yap boldly announcing the move to set uo their own drug procurement system.

Minister Kapavore when contacted by FM100, stated that as part of review process the Ministry is currently undertaking, they are looking at ways to better enhance medical supplies procurement and distribution space, with a number of options NDoH being considering.

However, the Minister did not confirm whether he was aware of this development.

He did confirm that he had met with NdoH Secratary Pascoe Kase and the PHAs CEOs considering different reports, including the Parliament Public Accounts Committee to ensure improvements in medical Supplies Procurement and distribution.