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Minister of Health Dr Lackram Bodoe. - File photo by Angelo MarcelleHealth Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe is assuring there are no shortages of cardiovascular, hypertension or cancer medications in the public health system.
This after the revelation on December 1, during a sitting of the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee, that about $80 million in unused drugs had expired while in storage over a ten-year period.
In a WhatsApp message, Newsday asked about the effects of the wastage on the Chronic Disease Assistance Programme (CDAP) which provides citizens with free prescription drugs and other pharmaceutical items in the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, cardiac and other diseases.
Newsday also asked what would happen to the old stock of medicine after five new drugs were added to the programme’s list on October 1, and what measures could be put in place to reduce wastage.
In reply Bodoe said, “I am advised that these medicines remain available across the regional health authorities for the population, and that patient care is not at risk.
“The ministry operates through a structured, accountable procurement and supply-chain process that ensures continuous availability of essential drugs. Procurement decisions are guided by clinical need, safety, quality and value for money.”
He stressed the health and well-being of citizens was the ministry’s highest priority and it will continue to monitor drug supplies daily to ensure uninterrupted access to life-saving medications.
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