The supply of medical drugs at Laloki psychiatric hospital outside Port Moresby are running low and patients are treated with expired drugs.
This is a serious concern, but the hospital boss says, they have no option but to use these expired medicines until it becomes totally useless.
Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Getzo Yamele, said currently they are facing problems with medical drugs.
“Half of the drugs that we use in the hospital to treat psychiatric patients are out dated, meaning their expiry date were exceeded,” Mr Yamele said.
Mr Yamele said despite this they are still using the drugs.
He said this is because the medicines are still effective even though it has already reached its expiration date.
“We still have to use these drugs because from information we got, it can last up to six months after its expiration date.” He said.
He said the effect is still good and they have no other option but to use the drugs.
Mr Yamele said every month they send their medical store voucher for medical supply to the Health Department’s pharmacy in Port Moresby, but this time they have to wait longer for new supply.
Apart from this, the hospital is facing a major water and infrastructure problem.
Staff have to walk long distances to fetch water for drinking and cooking.
This only psychiatric hospital in the country, is now calling on the government and the Health Department to quickly address the shortfall in medication, Infrastructure and water at the hospital.
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