By Emmanuel Wise Jipoh
The Ministry of Health announced that it will distribute essential medicines to health facilities nationwide shortly.
Monrovia, December 16, 2024/The Chief Pharmacist of Liberia, Dr. Joshua T. Peters, Jr., discloses that the exercise will commence in early January 2025 as part of the government’s efforts to aid local health facilities.
He says the initiative will ensure sustainable availability of essential medicines across Liberia.
“As we move into 2025, the Ministry is rolling out strategic measures to enhance drug availability, improve accountability, and strengthen the healthcare system”, Dr. Peters says.
According to him, the first Quarterly Nationwide Distribution will get started with registered local pharmacies, clinics, and health facilities.
He told The NEW DAWN Friday, December 13, 2024, that the centerpiece of these efforts is the establishment of community pharmacies.
“These pharmacies are designed to mitigate stockouts by maintaining adequate inventory levels while encouraging community ownership and management of resources to ensure continuous drug availability at health facilities.”
He reiterates that the initiative is structured to guarantee the availability of essential medicines even during allocation delays.
“The community pharmacy model provides a reliable system for effective stock management and timely responses to potential shortages.”
However, Dr. Peters further discloses the Ministry of Health has developed a robust supervision framework aimed at ensuring the proper use and distribution of medicines across the country.
He explains that the framework includes regularly monitoring health facilities to prevent unauthorized sales of essential drugs and ensure adherence to established protocols.
According to him, in line with these efforts, disciplinary measures have been implemented, including rotation of county pharmacists and supply chain coordinators, to address lapses in accountability and strengthen oversight.
At the same time, the Ministry of Health reaffirms its commitment to providing quality healthcare for all Liberians. It assures the public of its unwavering dedication to improving drug availability and health.
