Taiwan responds to NRH drug shortage

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

Dr Rooney Jagilly receive donation from the Taiwan Deputy Counselor Mr Oliver Weng with other members of the Taiwan Embassy in Solomon Islands

THE Republic of China (Taiwan), through its embassy in Honiara, on Tuesday donated medical supplies to the National Referral Hospital’s operation theatre and surgical ward as a quick response to the country’s current drug shortage.

The donation targets NRH’s operation theatre, mainly to meet emergency cases while waiting for medical supplies from the Solomon Islands Government and other funding agencies.

The donation comprises of gauzes, bandage, barrier surgical gowns, gloves, laryngeal mask airways, endo tubes, ambu mask, filters, surgical sutures and Nasogastric tubes, Foley tubes, microsurgery knifes, blades, haemostats, anesthetic and disinfection agents.

The medical equipment had cost Taiwan’s Government SBD$80,000.

The assistance has been described as timely and could not have come at a better time by NRH’s acting chief executive officer, Dr Rooney Jagilly.

He adds that the recipients will be the NRH’s operation theatre and surgical ward. Other province’s will receive theirs later.

Jagilly also mentions that the drug shortage is not only experienced in Honiara alone, but is felt nationwide.

He adds that his ministry is actively addressing the matter.

Jagilly thanked the Taiwanese Government through its Embassy for ‘such a generous donation’.

Taiwan Deputy Counselor Mr Oliver Weng said supporting NRH is what Taiwan always does since both countries are good friends – and if there is a need Taiwan will always help.

“Chief of the Taiwan Health Centre under the instruction of Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, they were working very hard and closely with the NRH and they are aware of the case so they made a quick response to help the situation.

“I can guarantee you such corporation between Taiwan and Solomon Islands in health sectors are very positive and we will always willing to help if there is any need,” Weng said.

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