Drug shortage in Vanuatu

A medicine shortage is affecting hospitals across Vanuatu.

Patients have been affected by shortages of various drugs, particularly the antibiotic amoxycillin, which has caused treatments to be delayed.

The director general of health, George Taleo, said the shortage was partly down to procurement delays because members of the Central Tenders Board, which approves medicines, were on leave.

Mr Taleo told the Daily Post that an urgent order of medicines and supplies was due to arrive next week.

That order is expected to last until the next bulk supply arrives in June.