The operating theatre at Solomon Islands’ National Referral Hospital (NRH) has been hit by drug and consumable shortages, forcing authorities to scale down on services there.

“The Operating theatre will now only deal with emergency, cesarean births, and life-threatening cases until there is enough medication available,” a statement issued by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services said.

“We are working to source some of the urgent medication available from local pharmacies, while waiting patiently for the release of some of our much-needed medication that are in containers at the Point Cruz wharf as well from overseas suppliers,” the statement added.

Authorities were unable to say when full services will be restored. But they say services within other departments within NRH remain normal.

Medicine and drug shortages across the country’s hospitals and clinics is not new.

It’s an ongoing issue in recent years, caused by late arrival of orders from overseas, as well as inadequate budget support to the nation’s health system.

Meanwhile, the National Medical Store, which manages Solomon Islands’ drug stocks, said there is adequate stock of wool, gauze, and antibiotics, with another six containers containing anti-malarial drugs, plasters, urine bags and other medical supplies at the Solomon Islands Ports Authority awaiting financial clearance.

“The medicines that are in stock at the National Medical Store and at the wharf awaiting clearance have been bought by the Solomon Islands Government through its annual procurement process, procured last year under the 2023-2024 tender cycle.  

“Under this cycle, 15 more containers of medicine and medical supplies are expected in country by the end of the year,” the health ministry statement said.

It also said following the announcement of the Australian Government’s $9.1 million assistance for medicine last month, the first batch of medication have arrived. 

These include anti-malarial drugs which have arrived and have since been distributed to the Provincial Health Facilities. 

The ministry said more medication and medical supplies are being sourced under this arrangement and these should be delivered in country in the next four to eight weeks by air and by sea.

It further stated that hospital and health authorities are currently re-looking internal systems and standard operating procedure to ensure there is efficient communication and standard processes in place, and make sure medicine and medical supplies are monitored and restocked in a timely manner to avoid medicine shortage at health facilities.

“We would like to reassure the public that we are working with donor and development partners to ensure that essential drugs are being procured and delivered to health facilities across the country.”

The statement said the decision to scale down on services at the hospital’s operating theatre was made this week following a meeting between hospital authorities and the ministry’s executive.