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PM NAMES TASK TEAM TO PROBE DRUG SHORTAGES

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MBABANE – Government has finally taken action to remedy the problem of inconsistent availability of medicines in the country.

This follows the setting up of a task team that will examine the problem analytically and objectively by the Prime Minister (PM), Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini.
The team is chaired by former Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information Communication and Technology (ICT), Sikelela Dlamini and is enabled under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, and, with the support and approval of Cabinet.

Dlamini announced the 15-member Inter-Ministerial Task Team on Health Service Delivery during a press conference at the Cabinet offices yesterday, where he highlighted that it was his office’s way of recognising the extent of the challenges faced by the Ministry of Health in the country.
He acknowledged that a serious challenge had emerged in the form of an inconsistent availability of medicines and medical supplies from the Central Medical Stores, but that the problem could not be blamed on one ministry.
According to Dlamini, a preliminary assessment revealed that a number of shortcomings which included late payments to suppliers, capacity weakness in a number of disciplines and a lack of accountability in inventory control, formed part of the problem.

The team has been given a time frame of six weeks to produce a report containing solutions to the problem.
“The terms of reference for the work of the task team include a design of a methodology that will identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in this area of supply of medicines and medical supplies. It should also present a schematic framework of the supply chain system, with the ministerial responsibilities clearly assigned,” the PM said.
He further mentioned that there would also be an accountability policy drawn up for all relevant stakeholders.

The report is also expected to bring out a set of time-based, quantified and measurable action, output and outcome targets to achieve the intended solutions within a reasonable time.
“Cash flow projections will also be produced, plan payments to suppliers that are realistic and acceptable to suppliers and are, to the fullest extent, within the parameters of the government budget. There will also be a stock control system established that ensures purchases and issues are properly authorised, and any material discrepancies fully investigated,” said Dlamini.


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