The Ministry of Health and Social Services has procured four trucks valued at N.dollars 10 million to assist with the delivery of medical supplies nationwide.

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Kalumbi Shangula, said at a press conference held during the National Pharmaceutical Services Forum in Otjiwarongo on Monday, that the trucks are for the Central Medical Stores (CMS) and will improve the transportation and distribution of pharmaceuticals and clinical supplies across the country.

“The CMS is a division within the ministry that plans, stores, and distributes pharmaceuticals and clinical supplies for use in all public health facilities in Namibia. The distribution network directly provides pharmaceutical and clinical supplies to about 40 health facilities on a six-weekly cycle,” he said.

Before the procurement of the four trucks, the fleet of distribution vehicles at CMS consisted of only five government-owned trucks with high odometer readings which were prone to frequent breakdowns, often leading to delays in the delivery cycle.

The minister during the same event also commissioned 420 wheelchairs, saying the commissioning comes against the backdrop of the commemoration of the National Day of Persons with Disability in Namibia over the weekend. He however emphasised that these will not fully cover the need for wheelchairs in Namibia.

“There are waiting lists for wheelchairs, comprising more than 590 children and more than 1 200 adults. This is a poignant reminder of the work that lies ahead,” he said.

Shangula called upon all community leaders and health workers to inform the relevant offices of any person with disabilities who needs support with mobility.

Otjozondjupa Region Governor James Uerikua also said they have been receiving assistance from various stakeholders that have donated wheelchairs to the region.

“We distributed these wheelchairs through the constituency councillors and health directorate. If you’re in need of a wheelchair, please knock on our doors,” he said.

The National Pharmaceutical Services Forum is taking place from 12 to 16 June and brings together directors, regional officers and practitioners in the pharmaceutical field to discuss ways the health ministry can improve service delivery as far as the availability of safe, efficacious, and high-quality medicines and clinical supplies are concerned.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency