Minister for Health, Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete says there is no shortage of penicillin in the country after claims made by the National Federation Party Leader, Professor Biman Prasad.
Dr. Waqainabete says they have all the penicillin, including the antibiotic, flucloxacillin.
He says the only thing they do not have is the 500 milligrams capsule but they do have 250 milligrams capsules.
The Minister says if you do need the 500 milligrams capsule, then you can take two 250 milligrams capsules.
Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor James Fong has confirmed the 500 milligrams Flu-cloxa-cillin capsules stock is expected to arrive in the country on the 30th of this month.
He says in this current Leptospirosis outbreak, they have been able to ensure that more than 90% of suspect cases were put on penicillin early.
Dr. Fong says this resulted in lower than expected severe case admissions in the Central Division and rapid decreases in Western and Northern Divisions; essentially indicating broad penicillin availability in subdivisions. He adds the only subdivision that had reduced Ampicillin stock was Sigatoka because of the surge in Leptospirosis cases in Navosa but their stocks were replenished today.
Legend FM News has checked with the CWM Hospital, Labasa and Lautoka Hospitals and all have confirmed that penicillin stock is available and there is no shortage.
Professor Prasad maintains he has been told by members of the public that penicillin is out of stock.
Prasad says people have faced the shortage for a long time now and no amount of explanation will convince the people otherwise.
