30 Nov 2018

Solomons health shortages costing lives - Wale

4:32 pm on 30 November 2018

A Solomon Islands MP says the government's failure to address drug and equipment shortages in hospitals around the country is costing lives.

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Photo: 123rf

The Solomon Star reported Matthew Wale called for the removal of the health minister over the issue during Wednesday's parliament sitting.

Mr Wale said the health minister, Kaitu'u Tautai Angikimua, has failed to show any sense urgency in addressing what he described as a health crisis.

He called on the prime minister Rick Hou to sack Dr Kaitu'u.

At the height of the shortages in July the Solomon Islands Medical Association declared a crisis but this was downplayed by the government.

It is understood part of the reason for recent drug shortages was a change in procurement processes at the ministry of health.

However, the lack of medical equipment as basic as gloves, wound dressings and gauze is an ongoing issue.

The working conditions for healthcare professionals is also a major concern with most departments understaffed.

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