Stockouts of medication and supplies are a major concern in the North

Divisional Medical Officer Northern, Dr. Tiko Saumalua has confirmed that they are currently facing stockouts of medications, including those for high blood pressure at hospitals in the Northern Division.

While responding to concerns raised by Savusavu resident Graham Haynes during the Fijian Media Association’s Meet the Public and the Press session in Savusavu, Dr. Saumalua acknowledged that the shortages can last one to two months and affect a range of medications.

Haynes, who has been actively supporting local hospitals, says they recently brought in 36 beds for hospitals in Savusavu, Lau, and Tukavesi due to poor supply conditions.

He raised alarm over the lack of essential items like Ventolin inhalers and saline solution, saying the community has had to purchase and donate them, spending around $1,000 in some cases.

He says this should not be happening and asks what is wrong with the supply chain between Suva and our hospitals.

Dr. Saumalua explained that the Ministry uses an M-supply system to track stock levels across health facilities, allowing low-stock centres to request supplies either from nearby facilities or from the Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services (FPBS) in Suva.

However, he admitted that procurement delays at FPBS remain a challenge.

He says many of these supplies are imported, so it takes time to reach their stores.

He adds that when such stockouts occur, medical staff try to manage patients with alternative treatments.

On the issue of the x-ray machine at Savusavu Hospital, Dr. Saumalua says that while a replacement machine was temporarily installed, it too became non-functional, and they are now awaiting a new one.