By Sue-Ann Wayow
A SHIPMENT of 90,000 vials of insulin 70/30 is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday after almost two weeks of not having any in the public healthcare system.
The Ministry of Health stated it has requested expedited clearance and quality release which are standard procedures, to ensure availability of supplies to the population as a matter of urgency.
Distribution to the various facilities will begin immediately upon receipt at warehouse to ensure continuous access for patients, the ministry stated via media release on Tuesday.
The ministry informed the public that since the first week in June, there was a shortage of insulin 70/30 and by the last week in June was out of stock.
The release stated, “The MOH understands that this temporary shortage was attributable to the international production scheduling and quality release issues as it relates to assurance of the quality of the supplies of insulin 70/30 available for our country.”
An additional shipment is expected in August to further bolster national stock levels, the Ministry of Health informed.
It also reassured the public that the other types of insulin – insulin N and insulin R, remain available and are in good stock at public health facilities.
The ministry stated it remained committed to ensuring the uninterrupted availability of essential medicines for all.
The release comes one day after the ministry also acknowledged a shortage of tacrolimus adding that a shipment was also scheduled to arrive on Tuesday.
