Dr Lino Tom has confirmed that medicines and vital drugs to be sourced directly from pharmaceutical factories without the involvement of any third parties distribution companies starting 2023

Dr Lino Tom has confirmed that medicines and vital drugs will be sourced directly from pharmaceutical factories without the involvement of any third parties distribution companies starting next year

PROCUREMENT OF MEDICINES AND DRUGS TO BE SOURCED DIRECTLY 

By Mortimer Yangharry 

Wabag Open MP and Minister for Health Dr Lino Tom has confirmed that medicines and vital drugs will be sourced directly from pharmaceutical factories without the involvement of any third parties distribution companies starting next year. 

The medical surgeon turned politician assured the nation that this measure was taken to save costs and to ensure the quality of basic medicines and vital drugs was not compromised.

Minister Tom said that since 2020 health has seen an increase in its budget by about 30%. 

"Even then, it’s not the ideal level we envisage but in terms of appropriation per sector, we have gotten the biggest slice, thanks to PM Marape and treasurer  Ian Ling Stuckey," Minister Tom said.

The second term Wabag Open MP admitted that a shortfall of over K120 million for medical supplies from outstanding arrears over the last few years still needs to be settled. 

"In order to address this issue, we will have to source the cheapest options in our region without compromising quality," Minister Tom said.

"The Health Department will go into a State to State  Agreement to deal straight with the pharmaceutical factories and get the lowest price possible at least for basic drugs and medical supplies," Minister Lino said.

The People's Party padliamentary leader confirmed that this approach is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other development agencies that work with the National Department of Health annually.

"Our SMEs and businesses can supply the nonessential medical consumables as our people must not suffer at the expense of profiteering enterprises," Minister Tom said.

The medical surgeon turned politician, who posses a masters degree in surgery, reiterated that health services must be affordable to everyone regardless, as envisaged by the government.

Minister Tom will continue to find innovative ways to solve legacy issues within the Department of Health in the new year to come and into the future.