NMS General Manager, Moses Kamabare, leading members of the Ugandan press fraternity
National Medical Stores (NMS) hosted a number of members of the Ugandan press fraternity to a successful Media Engagement on Thursday, 9th May, 2018.
This is part of NMS’ drive to engage the media in particular and the public in general, and open lines of communication and dialogue as we all play a part in watching out for each other’s health and wellbeing.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine and the NMS General Manager, Mr. Moses Kamabare at the press briefing.
The Ministry of Health has embarked on a drive to collect and dispose off expired and obsolete pharmaceutical from 6,619 health facilities in Uganda, both Government owned and Public Not For Profit.
This process will create more space for adequate storage of drugs delivered by National Medical Stores (NMS), and prevent the risk of; public health hazards and pilferage, and relabelling as a result of keeping such items in health facilities for long. Expired pharmaceuticals are a growing concern in the country and can also result into a risk to national security.
It is naturally expected that about 5% of pharmaceuticals in the distribution chain is bound to end up as obsolete or expired. The last time such a massive exercise was carried out was in 2012. Currently, the estimated quantities of expired medicines all over the country are believed to be about 1,200 to 1,500 tons.
A collaborative approach has been put in place between National Drug Authority (NDA), National Medical Stores (NMS), Joint Medical Stores (JMS) and Ministry of Health (MoH) towards successful implementation and execution of this exercise, as follows:
NMS and Ministry of Health would like to thank all those who turned up and braved the long queues during the Free Yellow Fever Vaccination exercise that took place at Mandela National Stadium - Namboole from 28th November - 08th December 2017.
Read more: FREE YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION TO RESUME ON 18th - 22nd DEC AT NAMBOOLE
NMS would love to respond to the false news which has been making rounds on social media about the shortage of ARVs, and in particular, that PEPFAR gave money to NMS to procure ARVs. We appeal to the public to treat the rumor with the contempt it deserves.
We clarify that NMS has not received any money from PEPFAR for procurement of ARVs.
We remain steadfast in ensuring that Ugandans get quality essential medicine and medical supplies to the extent of the budget made available to it
NMS: Passionate about your life.
Management
24th October 2017