Ministry of Health signs MoU for Pharmacopeial Cooperation with India
By Eliza Kukutu
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a Pharmacopeial Cooperation with the government of India in Honiara yesterday.
Minister, Hon. Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai signed the MoU with India’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Inbasekar Sundaramurthi.
The Pharmacopeial Cooperation is among the MoU’s on health cooperation discussed by the governments of India and Solomon Islands earlier this year.
Speaking at the signing, Minister Bosawai said the MoU will contribute to developing the country’s health sector.
“The MOU that is signed today reflects a deepening cooperation between our two countries.”
“I believe this agreement will help to strengthen our health systems and promote our shared goal towards achieving universal health coverage by improving access to essential medicines,” he said.
Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai and Indian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Inbasekar Sundaramurthi with officials posing for a photo after the signing.
Solomon Islands currently procures essential drugs and medicines from manufactures using the British Pharmacopoeia (BP) and the US Pharmacopeia (USP) standards.
Pharmacopeia’s are official publications that provide detailed standards for the quality, purity, strength, and consistency of medicines and their ingredients.
The agreement with India will now allow Solomon Islands to procure medicines from manufacturers using the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) standard.
Minister Bosawai highlighted during the signing event that the budget for drugs and dressing remains constant since 2012. This has resulted in the Ministry ordering medicines and medical supplies based on the available budget and not on the increasing service demand.
Health Minister, Hon. Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai delivering his remarks at the signing event.
He said this has been a major contributor to stock outs of essential medicines and supplies from hospitals and clinics.
Bosawai adds that the agreement will contribute to reducing the cost of paying medicines into the country.
“Our National Medical Store normally procures medicines and medical supplies from prequalified suppliers in the open market, none of which is manufacturer and coupled that with our relatively small orders, the cost of procuring medical supplies accompanied with international freighting is extremely expensive. “
“We hope that the MOU we will be signing today will provide an opportunity to access quality medicines and supplies at cheaper rates, and therefore cost savings for the Government. We believe this MOU will also open other opportunities of our staff in the area of medical products,” he said.
Meanwhile, His Excellency Sundaramurthi acknowledged the current and previous government for their commitment and support in making the cooperation a success.
Indian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Inbasekar Sundaramurthi.
He emphasized on India’s commitment to providing Solomon Islands with quality and affordable medicines.
“This MoU will help to provide cost effective medicine and will be able to bring the prices down for Solomon Islands.
“I look forward at an early stage that Solomon Islands can get all the medicines at an affordable quality.”
ENDS//