A growing number of essential medicines are in short supply in Mauritius, with 98 medicines currently out of stock. The situation is further complicated by rising pharmacy prices, which have increased significantly over the past few months. For instance, a Pelargonium sidoides remedy has jumped from Rs 242 to Rs 314 in just two months. Importers and pharmacists attribute the shortages and price hikes to increased freight costs, a weak rupee, and a shortage of hard currency to pay overseas suppliers on time.
The Ministry of Health's own price surveys have revealed significant price increases for various medicines. Telma 40MG, for example, has risen from Rs 108.20 in June to Rs 170.28 in August, while Candesan 16MG has increased from Rs 641.97 to Rs 696.09 over the same period. The shortages and price hikes have left patients facing significant challenges in accessing their regular medications. Many are now required to make two trips to find the medication and then to find the money to pay for it.
The issue is not just limited to medicine availability but also accessibility. Import rules and regulations have exacerbated the problem, making it difficult for pharmacists to restock their shelves. The real fix, according to experts, lies in addressing the issue of foreign currency availability. The government will need to prioritize the allocation of scarce foreign currency to ensure that essential medicines can be imported.
The medicine shortages and price hikes have sparked concerns among residents, who are calling for urgent action from the government. The situation is further complicated by the fact that many patients rely on these essential medicines to manage chronic conditions. The government has been urged to take immediate action to address the shortages and price hikes.
In a separate development, a Cabinet communiqué dated September 11 has sparked controversy over the construction of a 3.1 km link road, known as the Flic-en-Flac bypass. Residents along Crécerelle, Dahlia, and Canaris streets claim they were not informed of the project until the digging was nearly finished. The new alignment has been justified by officials as a way to maintain accessibility gains without the old route's headaches.
The controversy surrounding the Flic-en-Flac bypass has raised concerns about the government's communication and consultation processes. Residents have expressed frustration that their concerns were not taken into account and that the project was pushed through without adequate consultation. The issue has sparked a wider debate about development and planning in Mauritius.
In other news, Seychelles has ordered an inquiry into the disappearance of two coast guards during a sea operation last week. The incident has drawn support from Mauritius, and the inquiry is expected to shed light on safety at sea. The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of coast guards and the need for greater cooperation between countries in the region.
Key points
- A shortage of 98 medicines has been reported in Mauritius due to increased freight costs and a weak rupee.
- Pharmacy prices have increased significantly over the past few months, making it difficult for patients to access their regular medications.
- The government has been urged to take immediate action to address the medicine shortages and price hikes.
