Health Ministry to inspect drug supply

After 12 out of 21 central hospitals reported shortages of drugs, the Ministry of Health has decided to establish four working groups to inspect the supply of drugs and medical equipment at healthcare facilities across the country.

Insufficient supply has been reported for reserve antibiotics used to treat critically ill patients, as well as narcotic drugs, psychotropic drugs, cardiovascular drugs for hypertension treatment, dengue fever drugs, ophthalmic drugs, and traditional herbal medicines.

The inspection campaign aims to identify problems and propose short- and long-term solutions for drug shortages to central and local authorities.