Operating Theatre in Emergency Mode
The Operating Theatre at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara has scaled down its services, limiting operations to emergency surgeries, caesarean sections, and life-threatening cases due to a shortage of essential consumables and anesthetic drugs.
Hospital authorities made this decision following a meeting with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS). The NRH is actively seeking to secure urgent medical supplies from local pharmacies while awaiting the release of additional stock from containers at the Point Cruz wharf and from overseas suppliers.
Despite the current challenges, the National Medical Stores (NMS) has confirmed that there is still an adequate supply of essential items, including wool, gauze, and antibiotics. Six containers containing anti-malarial drugs, plasters, urine bags, and other medical supplies are currently at the Solomon Islands Ports Authority, awaiting financial clearance.
This development follows reports of shortages at various health facilities across the country, particularly in wool, gauze, and other medications. The Ministry of Health noted that the medicines currently in stock and those awaiting clearance were procured as part of the 2023-2024 tender cycle, with 15 more containers of medical supplies expected to arrive by the end of the year.
The NRH also confirmed the recent arrival of anti-malarial drugs, part of a $9.1 million assistance package from the Australian Government. These have already been distributed to Provincial Health Facilities, with more medical supplies expected to arrive within the next 4 to 8 weeks.
In response to the ongoing supply issues, NRH and NMS management are reviewing internal systems and standard operating procedures. This review aims to improve the monitoring and timely restocking of medicines and supplies to prevent future shortages.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services reassured the public that they are working closely with donor and development partners to ensure that essential drugs are continuously procured and delivered to health facilities across the country.
MHMS
