PM orders technical audit drug procurement process
Prime Minister Rick Hou has directed a technical audit to be carried out to urgently look at the whole drug procurement system and to verify the root cause of the current drug shortage.
This was highlighted by Mr Hou when he met with the executive of the Forum Solomon Islands International (FSII) at the Paul Tovua Complex, Parliament grounds on Wednesday.
He informed the executive that as a result of the seriousness of the issue he has directed an urgent inquiry by way of a “technical audit” on the whole drug procurement system.
“This situation must never happen again and that is why I have directed a technical audit.
“A commission of inquiry is likely to take a much longer process so as a matter of urgency I have directed an urgent ‘technical audit’ instead, on the whole drug procurement system with a critical assessment of the various steps in the procurement process for 2018 essential drugs and consumables,” he said.
The audit will also include a critical assessment of the various steps in the procurement process for 2018 essential drugs and consumables.
This audit will assess:
a. the whole procurement system and the process followed for this year’s supplies – from beginning to end;
b. the people involved in the process within and outside of MMHS – their roles, responsibilities, acts of omissions and commissions;
c. other factors that may have contributed to the problem; and
d. Make recommendations for appropriate actions and interventions that will need to be taken to hold people responsible accountable, and ensure this event is never repeated in future;
Mr Hou also expressed his gratitude to FSII for raising the issues of national concern with him.
President of FSII John Kwaita, also thanked Mr Hou for the opportunity to meet with them and listen to their concerns.
Recently the National Referral Hospital (NRH) has experienced an acute shortage of essential drug that the prime minister has to intervene to address it.
The situation is now steadily improved over the past two weeks.
On Monday Mr received that much needed saving drugs for Australia, New Zealand and the World Health Organization (WHO).
According to the NRH they now have 76 percent of essential drugs in stock as compared to 62 percent 12 days ago on 18 July.
The full order is expected within 2 months and should be normalize by end of September.
By Charles Kadamana
