A public outcry followed a recent report that a doctor at the Vila Central Hospital had prescribed medication that was two weeks past its expiry date.
The Vanuatu Daily Post reported the article had many people questioning whether it was common practice in the country.
But Mr Ludvaune told the paper it was an isolated incident involving a patient who required an antibiotic, which is not on the national drug list, because of an allergy.
The minister said the doctor made the right call given the urgency of treating the patient at the time.
