NMS Attributes Drug Shortages To Delayed Release Of Funds

Posted by: Kyeyune Andrew Jonathan in Uganda news February 1, 2023

Major drug shortages are being faced by major health facilities across the country. However, though, the National Medical Stores (NMS) has attributed this to the delayed release of funds by the finance ministry.

Apparently, the drug distribution store requires these funds to help with the distribution of essential medicines.

Sheila Nduhukire, the NMS Public Relations Officer spoke to reporters recently about the issue. She assured the country that the issues will be resolved despite the ongoing financial constraints.

She said NMS will be back to full operations in no time since the health and finance ministries have both been notified.

Health Center 2s and 3s in Masindi are suffering a significant drug shortage according to officials. They revealed that they have already missed out on two drug cycles.

Hopefully, this issue is solved as quickly as possible especially in far-off communities like Masindi for the sake of the beneficiaries.

National Medical Store puts down the drugs shortage to delays in receiving funds at the beginning of every quarter that cause late delivery to health facilities across the country.

However, while presenting in parliament yesterday, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Ramathan Ggoobi said the ministry had already released up to 50% of the National Medical Stores budget.

Ggoobi said there is no reason why there should be a lack of medicines in hospitals.

In many public hospitals across the country, patients are now compelled to seek services at a cost from private facilities.

Mbarara, Kabarole, Ntungaamo, Gulu, Soroti and Tororo are among the districts that are most affected by the drug stockouts.

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