15 Mar 2013

The Assistant Minister of Health has told Parliament that during the period of September 2012 to January 2013, the average drug availability for the Francistown clinics was in the range of 83.3 per cent to 90 per cent.

In response to a parliamentary question, Mr Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri, however said it was important to note that the availability of vital and essential life-saving drugs was over 80 per cent which was considered satisfactory for effective implementation of public health programmes.

Mr Matlhabaphiri said the ministry had some non-life saving drugs that were not available at health facilities including Central Medical Stores (CMS).

“Furthermore, it should also be noted that drug availability for greater Francistown DHMT compares well with other health districts in the country and it has improved since the take over of clinics from the Ministry of Local Government,” he said.

Mr Matlhabaphiri said to address the problem of non-availability of some medicines in the health facilities; CMS was intensifying its procurement strategies by implementing two to three year frame-work contracts.

Francistown South MP, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi had asked whether the minister was aware of shortage of drugs in the Francistown clinics and also if he was aware that this problem has been in existence since the transfer of clinics to the Ministry of Health, he should state the major cause of this problem and short term plans to address this once and for all. ENDS