A medical public health consultant, Dr Arkangelo Modesto, has urged the South Sudan government to establish a national drug storage facility to improve access to affordable and quality healthcare. He made the remarks during the Zach Business Forum at the University of Juba, where he discussed challenges facing South Sudan’s pharmaceutical supply system. Dr Modesto emphasized that a centralized drug storage facility would help pharmacies and retail outlets access quality medicines through an organized distribution system.
Dr Modesto suggested that the government could establish the facility through a public-private partnership if it lacked the resources to operate it independently. He also called for pre-shipment inspection and certification of imported medicines to prevent substandard and poor-quality drugs from entering the country. This, he believes, would ensure that only quality medicines are available to the public.
The consultant raised concerns about the lack of structural reforms at the Drug and Food Control Agency since its establishment. He argued that institutional changes and new strategies were needed to address challenges in medicine regulation and distribution. Dr Modesto emphasized that a national essential medicines list and stronger public health policies were necessary to ensure that essential drugs are available to all citizens.
Dr Modesto also called for the exemption of essential medicines from unnecessary taxes, arguing that high taxation makes drugs expensive and limits access, particularly for vulnerable households. He believes that medicines are a public service and should remain affordable. The consultant's remarks highlight the need for the government to address the challenges facing the pharmaceutical supply system in South Sudan.
The lack of access to affordable and quality healthcare is a significant challenge in South Sudan. The country's pharmaceutical supply system faces several challenges, including the absence of a national drug storage facility and high taxes on essential medicines. Dr Modesto's suggestions aim to address these challenges and improve access to healthcare for the population.
Dr Modesto's call for a national drug storage facility and reduced taxes on essential medicines has significant implications for the healthcare sector in South Sudan. The establishment of a national drug storage facility would help ensure that quality medicines are available to pharmacies and retail outlets across the country. Additionally, reducing taxes on essential medicines would make them more affordable for the population.
The government of South Sudan has not yet commented on Dr Modesto's suggestions. However, the consultant's remarks are expected to spark a national conversation about the need for reforms in the pharmaceutical supply system. The country's healthcare sector is likely to benefit from the establishment of a national drug storage facility and reduced taxes on essential medicines.
Key points
- Dr Arkangelo Modesto urges the government to establish a national drug storage facility to improve access to quality medicines.
- The consultant calls for pre-shipment inspection and certification of imported medicines to prevent substandard drugs from entering the country.
- Dr Modesto recommends exempting essential medicines from unnecessary taxes to make them more affordable for the population.
