Improvements have been made but the number of complaints that were being received in relation to the pharmaceutical activities continues to challenge the health sector, says Minister for Health and Medical Services Rosy Akbar.

Ms Akbar said there had been improvement in the accessibility and availability of essential medicines and vaccines.

She said the reasons for these complaints were well known and requested the technical sectors and development partners to come in and assist the region in strengthening the pharmaceutical programme as a whole.

“The areas of focus for stronger collaboration are the rational use of medicines, supply chain management of essential medicines, quality of medicinal products, including vaccines and traditional medicines,” Ms Akbar said.

“I understand that many Pacific Island countries have recognised the need to strengthen accessibility and availability of essential medicines, vaccines and traditional medicines.”

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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