Former Health Minister Dr Neil Sharma says the allocation of $8m for the free medicine program must be fully analyzed, studied and full proofed by all stakeholders.
This is a new initiative by the government that will provide approved medication free to Fijians with an annual income that does not exceed $20, 000.
In his budget response Dr Sharma told the parliament that new medicinal products and pharmacist professional decrees must be given credence and enforcement.
“The Governments Bulk Purchase Scheme, Commerce Commission, Consumer Council, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Pharmaceutical Society, retail and Wholesale pharmaceutical companies, Fiji College of General Practitioners and possibly the Medical Insurance Companies must all be clear before the allocation is put to clear use.”
Dr Sharma says standards in procurement, storage, distribution, mark ups and systems to debar misuse must be established.
