By: Frank P. Martin
MONROVIA: The Chief Pharmacist of Liberia, Dr. Joshua T. Peters, has disclosed that the country needs more than US$20m annually to deliver medical supplies to 800 plus health facilities across the country.
In an interview with Journalists at the Central Medicines Store in Caldwell on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, Dr. Peters disclosed that during the Fiscal Year 2024, the government allocated US$4.7 million to essential medicines.
This funding facilitated the successful completion of quarterly distributions to over 800 health facilities across all 15 counties.
He said, despite challenges, including logistical constraints and limited resources, the Ministry has adopted innovative strategies and worked closely with partners to ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential medications to hospitals, clinics, and health centers.
The Chief Pharmacist of the Republic of Liberia: “In FY 2024, the government allocated $4.7 million for essential medicines. This has allowed us to complete quarterly distributions across all 15 counties, reaching over 800 health facilities. Despite limited resources, we’ve successfully distributed essential commodities to ensure availability in hospitals, clinics, and health centers.”
According to him, the Ministry is implementing strategic initiatives to enhance drug availability and accountability. A key focus is the establishment of community pharmacies, designed to prevent stockouts by maintaining proper inventory at health facilities.
This initiative aims to ensure that even during allocation delays, essential medicines will remain available to the public.
“One key initiative is the implementation of community pharmacies. These will ensure that essential medicines remain accessible at all health facilities, even during allocation delays. The community pharmacy model allows for proper stock management and addresses stockouts effectively,” Dr Peters disclosed.
Additionally, the Ministry has developed a robust supervision framework to monitor health facilities and prevent unauthorized sales of essential medicines.
Disciplinary measures, including the rotation of county pharmacists and supply chain coordinators, have already been initiated to address lapses and ensure accountabilit
He appealed to healthcare workers and stakeholders to prioritize patients’ welfare by ensuring medicines are dispensed ethically and responsibly.
All Liberians are encouraged to support these efforts as the Ministry continues to work towards reducing maternal mortality, combating preventable deaths, and improving the overall quality of healthcare services.
“We remain committed to making Liberia a model for healthcare delivery in the region. With your cooperation, we can achieve a healthier and stronger nation,” he expressed.
Ministry of Health under the leadership of Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto has made progress in the distribution and management of essential medicines across Liberia.
Over the years, drug distribution in Liberia faced significant challenges, including stockouts and inefficiencies.
