Northern Division Gets Better Medicine Access, Storage

The Ministry of Health’s warehouse called Tolu at the Labasa Divisional Hospital opened yesterday by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka easing access to outpatient medicines for patients.

Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka commissioned the Japanese Government-funded $2.2 million warehouse.

Mr Rabuka labelled it the hub of medicines in the Northern Division.

The warehouse will serve and cater to the needs of 65 health care facilities in the Northern Division.

He said Government appreciated the assistance and described the Japanese Government as a good friend.

Mr Rabuka said the time consumed to wait for pharmaceuticals from Suva would be minimised now.

He believes the country’s health system remains resilient despite the challenging global difficulties of sourcing medicines at an affordable price.

“The challenge remains on our target to achieve unlimited medicine supply and retention of health workers,” the Prime Minister said.

Mr Rabuka said the opening of warehouse Tolu is a cornerstone to addressing patient needs of timely medicine supply.

“The establishment of the warehouse Tolu was a milestone to our nation’s development in the health sector,” he said.

Japanese Ambassador to Fiji, Rokuichiro Michii, said the funding was testament to their commitment to helping Fiji meet their health needs.

Mr Michii said they would continue to assist Fiji improve their medicinal storing capacity.

He said they want to help Fiji become a modern and advanced health sector.

The new warehouse would also meet the increasing demand from the growing population.

“We are partners and we will ensure Fiji is the best example of our healthy relationship in the Pacific,” Mr Michii added.

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