Private pharmacists in Samoa have stepped up to help the Ministry of Health ensure patients continue to access essential medicines amid a temporary shortage of medical supplies on island.
The shortage was confirmed by Acting Director General of Health, Tagaloa Dr Robert Thomsen who said it has affected a range of medicines that are awaiting shipment from overseas.
He told the Samoa Observer that while orders were made on time, freight challenges have delayed arrival.
“There are some medicines that are low in stock and will arrive at the beginning of next month,” Tagaloa said.
“Since they cannot be brought in by air freight, they are being shipped and expected to arrive in early November.”
Tagaloa assured that the ministry is monitoring the situation closely and working to stabilize supplies once the shipment arrives.
While the national health system waits for new stocks to arrive, private pharmacists have been playing a vital role in filling the gap.
Maria Westerlund-Hunter, Managing Director of Maria’s HealthCare Pharmacy, President of the Samoa Pharmacists Association, and Chair of the Pharmacy Council, said local pharmacies are cooperating with the ministry to ensure continuity of care for patients.
“As community pharmacists, we support the hospitals. When the hospital supply is slow, we work with hospital pharmacists to make sure people can access their medicine. We are here to help and ensure our people receive the medicine they need. And if the Ministry of Health requests to purchase medicine, we can cater to that.”
