Madang Provincial Health Authority (PHA) has confirmed a critical shortage of basic drugs and medical consumables, forcing the hospital to scale down some outpatient and clinic services.
Chief Executive Officer of Madang PHA, Dr. Martin Daimen, said the shortage affects almost all basic medicines, including amoxicillin, panadol, septrin, and other essential drugs commonly used to treat patients.
“This situation is a nationwide issue due to delays in the procurement process and other factors known at the national level,” Dr. Daimen said.
He said the hospital is now prioritising inpatient services to ensure limited stocks are reserved for patients already admitted, while many outpatients are being issued prescriptions to purchase medicines themselves.
“We are strategising to maintain inpatient services and will scale down on some of the outpatient and clinic operations to reserve the very limited stocks we have,” Dr. Daimen explained.
He said the Madang PHA Board and management are working around the clock to mitigate the situation and are seeking assistance from the Provincial Government to purchase medicines locally.
Dr. Daimen added that some relief is expected after reports that limited medical supplies have been released from Port Moresby and are on their way to the Area Medical Store in Lae. However, he warned that the supply may not be sufficient for the entire province.
“The situation may not improve for the next three months or so,” he said.
A public notice will soon be issued to inform the general public about the shortages and to urge people to remain cautious and avoid activities that could endanger lives during this period.
