The Health Ministry has announced a temporary shortage of Benzathine Penicillin, an essential antibiotic used in treating patients with Rheumatic Heart Disease. Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa confirmed that the Government Pharmacy currently has limited stock, but a new shipment is expected to arrive next week.
Ravunawa addressed the issue, highlighting that the current supply challenges are part of a broader global situation. He assured that the ministry is making efforts to prioritize areas of critical need, stating, “It’s good that we have limited stock at the moment, and we are prioritizing into areas where there is a critical need to replenish the medication for RHD patients.”
To mitigate the effects of the shortage, Erum Samreen, the head of Raiwaqa Health Centre, reported that staff members are actively following up with patients who may have missed their appointments to receive their injections. In addition, Erini Tokarua, Program Manager of the Heart Heroes Program, has encouraged patients to seek care at other health facilities if necessary to ensure they do not miss their critical doses of the medication.
Health officials are emphasizing the importance of timely doses in preventing severe heart complications, underscoring their commitment to ensuring patients have access to the treatment they need. This proactive approach and community outreach could serve to reduce the impact of the shortage while support and solutions are being put in place.