Supply of paracetamol available – Health Ministry

The Health Ministry says the supply of paracetamol (Panadol) is currently available in the Ministry’s pharmacies and health facilities around the country, contrary to statements made in parliament this week.

The Ministry of Health has clarified this after NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad claimed in Parliament that health centres have a shortage of Panadol and diabetes medicines.

When we questioned Prasad if he has the specifics on this, Prasad told us that there is a shortage throughout Fiji and he will provide all the details today because he cannot comment on what is said in Parliament while the session is still underway.

Permanent Secretary for Health Dr James Fong says the claims of shortage are not true.

Minister for Health Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete says it is baseless to make a general comment on no Panadol and diabetes medicines.

Waqainabete has urged members of the public to continue to immediately seek medical assistance at their health facilities when they are sick.

He says staff in their health facilities are also constantly networking with their divisional and national centres to deliver health services and medical supplies when required at any health facility in Fiji. The Health Ministry in a statement says the Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services management and staff have been working tirelessly around the clock to ensure that supplies of paracetamol and other essential medicines and medical products are made available at the pharmacies and health facilities for the patients to use, in spite of the significant global supply chain challenges currently faced by many nations around the world.

Meanwhile, the Ministry says they also wish to advise that in regards to the report of the recent passing away of a patient at the Savusavu Hospital which has been discussed on social media, the ministry staff at the hospital provided the best medical care they could provide to a sick patient on the day of admission and under the prevailing unfavourable weather condition at the time.

They add the staff had consulted with the immediate family members throughout the period of care and after the unfortunate outcome.

The Ministry says their thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.