By Makutu Manneh
The Gambia’s health minister, Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, has disputed reports of widespread medicine shortages in public hospitals, describing claims that the facilities have no drugs as exaggerated.
Speaking on the GRTS Radio program, the minister, Dr. Samateh, acknowledged that some medicines may not always be available but said the country’s overall supply had improved. He urged members of the public to visit hospital pharmacies and assess the situation for themselves.
The minister said The Gambia imports all its medicines and medical equipment because the country does not manufacture them locally, leaving the health system dependent on overseas suppliers and international supply chains.
“The government’s investment in medicines has increased significantly since President Adama Barrow assumed office,” he said.
Dr. Samateh said medicines are purchased through a competitive tender process in accordance with procurement laws, with suppliers generally required to deliver them within three months. Shortages can arise, he said, when contractors fail to meet their delivery deadlines.
Taking legal action against suppliers can cause further delays, he added, while changes to government procurement procedures have also affected the timely delivery of medicines.
To reduce disruptions, the government is working with development partners to establish longer-term procurement arrangements, including three-year supply contracts, the minister said.
“That process has already started,” he added.
Dr. Samateh also suggested that some reports of shortages may result from failures in the distribution of medicines within health facilities.
He cited Brikama, where he said the Central Medical Store had delivered medicines, but some patients were still told at the ward level that the drugs were unavailable. The situation, he said, demonstrated the need for greater accountability and a change in attitude among some health workers.
The minister said several containers of medicines had arrived in the country and that additional supplies were expected. He expressed confidence that the new deliveries and longer-term procurement arrangements would reduce complaints about shortages.
Dr. Samateh said he also planned to tour the country and meet hospital administrators to assess the challenges facing public health facilities and identify lasting solutions.
Comments are closed.