THE Regulatory Affairs Department under the National Pharmacy is yet to investigate rumors that medicine from the National Medical Store are ending up in private clinics.
This follows a post on the Yumi Toktok Forum (YTTF) social media, revealing a shocking discovery that a hydrocortisone purchased from a private clinic had a batch number which implied that it was supplied by the National Medical Store.
“It was sold at a private clinic for $170.00,” a doctor who wished to remain anonymous told YTTF.
“This is strange, and I suspect some insiders are involved in questionable activities,” the doctor added.
Hydrocortisone is a crucial medication for asthmatics.
Reports indicate that hydrocortisone is currently out of stock at the National Referral Hospital.
Due to this shortage, doctors have been advising asthmatic patients to purchase the drug from local pharmacies.
An employee in the National Medical Store Department suggested that the rumor might be true.
The employee stated that the Regulatory Affairs Department needs concrete evidence to investigate these claims.
However, the officer noted that not all medicines come from the National Medical Store as doctors and nurses can access medications at the NRH, clinics and provincial hospitals.
There is a high possibility that medicines end up in private clinics because some doctors own private clinics and work there after hours.
Similarly, nurses often assist in private clinics during their off-hours.
Therefore, only a thorough investigation will determine whether the medicines are sourced from the National Medical Store, NRH, clinics, or provincial hospitals.
Under the National Pharmacy, there are four departments: National Medical Store, Regulatory Affairs, Provincial and NRH Pharmacy.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
