The Minister for Health and Medical Services, Jone Usamate, met with supplier and manufacturing agents to discuss the issue of supplying medicines directly to Fiji.

Almost 85 per cent of medicines imported for public sector use over the years are made in India, but procured through supplier agents based in Australia and New Zealand via the Government tender system. Sourcing medicines directly from India would mean a reduction in the total cost of purchases.

During the meetings, Mr Usamate clearly emphasised that Fiji’s annual medicine quota would be much lesser than its major clients.

All the suppliers confirmed their intentions to supply to Fiji regardless of the size of its demand; however the price will be similar to the ones offered to the major buyers.

Mr Usamate said that in the corporate world, one of the features that stood out well in a successful supply chain management relationship between supplier and the purchaser is their mutual understanding of their business environment that enables them to willingly modify their business processes in order to meet their customers’ needs.

This result emanates from a long-term agreement and cordial business relations. He intends to emulate similar processes in the Ministry of Health procurement programme that will immensely benefit the people of Fiji in the long-term.

Mr Usamate with the Fijian delegates visited two manufacturing plants for medicines and electro-surgical equipment last week in Pune and Mumbai.

Feedback: newsroom@fijisun.com.fj