The House of Representatives has endorsed its health committee’s report mandating Finance Ministry to ensure timely payment of allotments for the Ministry of Health.
The report endorsed Thursday, 28 February mandates timely payment of allotments for procurement of essential medicines and supplies at the Ministry of Health without any form of delay.
It further mandates timely payment for allotment for the procurement of fuel for generators and ambulances for the Ministry of Health.
The head of the Committee on House at the House, Nimba County District #3 Rep. Joseph N. Somwarbi says the report comes after the committee received several communications from some lawmakers who complained lack of essential things at health facilities here.
Based on complaints received, Rep. Somwarbi names the lack of essential drugs, medical consumable, laboratory consumable and fuel for generators and ambulances at health facilities in Margibi and other parts of Liberia.
According to Rep. Somwarbi, Grand Bassa County District #3 Rep. Matthew Joe reported the lack of essential medical drugs, food, and petroleum product for generators and ambulances at the Liberian government hospital in Grand Bassa County.
He says the committee met with officials of the Ministry of Health and others from the Central Medicines Store on 18 February.
In the meeting, Rep. Somwarbi indicates that the invited guests were asked why there were shortage of essential drugs, medical supplies and fuel as well as food at the hospitals.
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He says the response the committee got was that there is very limited quantity of essential medicines and medical supplies available in Liberia.
Rep. Somwarbi reveals that the current allocation for the procurement of essential medicines and medical supplies is US$4million, none of which has yet been disbursed.
He says the actual amount needed for the procurement of adequate essential medicines and medical supplies for the public health facilities across Liberia is US$23million.
By Bridgett Milton –Edited by Winston W. Parley
