Ministry of Health (MoH) notes with concern the tone of the author of the piece titled ‘Drugs shortages no big deal for the Ministry of health’ in the Sunday Standard of March 31- 6 April 2013. This headline is misleading and portrays the Ministry of Health as insensitive, uncaring and generally relaxed. But as custodians of health providing necessities remain our top priority and are committed to providing quality health services to the nation. And we take pride in being one of the best health systems in the continent.
We agree that now and then we are experience shortage of drugs but the author has the
responsibility to report objectively without the risk of causing public panic, outrage and loss of faith in government services (tarnished image) especially essential ones such as health. The heading is not representing us well despite the measures we have put in place to address shortage of drugs.
We are committed to maintaining the 97% stock levels of all vital medicines at Government Hospitals. It is within this context that the Ministry of Health has explored other avenues to address the sporadic shortage of drugs such as;
Establishment of procurement plan to guide and monitor the procurement activities of the ministry. This initiative has improved availability levels of vital and essential drugs to 85%, which is a significant improvement over the previous figure of 65%. Further, facilities are given a certain budget to micro-procure for themselves.
Improving compliance to health standards – the facilities are currently undergoing an Accreditation Process. And drug availability level is one standard that is determined in the Accreditation process.
The introduction of consultants upon realising that the ministry did not have enough capacity to help improve the situation. We have so far seen an improvement of 80% in stock levels.
We are however humbled by the accuracy of factual information contained therein, but still appeal to the author to craft his headline in such a way that its importance, significance and seriousness are not compromised.
MoH wishes to assure Batswana that their health care system remains committed to providing quality health services. It further urges Batswana to be in the habit of visiting health facilities in confidence for regular check-ups and accessing health information. For enquiries and feedback please call the ministry’s toll free number: 0800 600 740.
