BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The labor ward at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) has been experiencing a prolonged shortage of essential medical supplies.
Reliable sources informed the Island Sun newspaper last Friday that critical items for mothers in labor are currently unavailable. Additionally, the hepatitis test kit is in limited supply at the hospital’s medical laboratory.
“I am uncertain about the issues at the higher level. It could be related to the pharmacy or financial constraints. I cannot say for sure, but this is the situation we are facing here,” stated the spokesperson, who wished to remain anonymous.
In a recent incident, the spokesperson recounted that a husband was sent to procure necessary items from two pharmacies in Honiara.
“Consequently, mothers undergoing cesarean sections are required to supply these items that are not available at the NRH pharmacy. The labor ward lacks urine bags, cord clamps, betadine, and surgical gloves. Typically, they acquire these supplies from the People’s Pharmacy, while surgical gloves and shaving equipment are obtained from Hyperchem Pharmacy. At that time, the man was sent to these two pharmacies to obtain the necessary items before his wife underwent the operation,” the informant explained.
The spokesperson emphasized that these items are essential for the daily operations of the labor ward.
“Without these items, the procedure (C-section) cannot be performed. These items must be available following the operational protocol. We encountered a shortage six months ago,” said the insider.
The source revealed that the labor ward typically handles between 400 to 500 deliveries each month, with approximately 100 of those requiring procedures such as operations or vacuum extractions.
“Any delays in the availability of these items can have serious consequences. In the event of an emergency, timely action is crucial. A delay could potentially result in the loss of life,” the source emphasized.
“Each month, the department submits a report to the head of the department before it is forwarded to the Medical Superintendent and CEO. They are fully aware of these circumstances, yet no feedback has been received thus far,” the informant stated.
The source also noted that non-sterile gloves have become the primary choice during operations, replacing sterile gloves.
“Non-sterile gloves are advised for non-surgical procedures, as they pose a risk of infection to all involved, including nurses, mothers, and infants during operations. The hospital should be prepared for emergencies, which necessitates that all essential items are readily available,” the insider concluded.
Jullian Joveris, a mother who gave birth at approximately 2 a.m. on Thursday, December 19, shared her experience with the Island Sun.
“Upon my arrival, the nurses informed me that the infant had soiled the baby basket. Consequently, they indicated that I would need to undergo an operation. My husband and I then signed the necessary documents, after which we received a list of essential items required for the operation, including a urine bag, gloves, cord clamps, and several other supplies,” Joveris said.
She recounted how her husband went out to procure the items, only to find that the local pharmacy had already closed for the night.
“He returned and requested the necessary items from a doctor for the procedure. I am uncertain whether he was able to purchase the items from the doctor, but that is what he conveyed upon his return. I felt anxious due to the unavailability of these supplies; nevertheless, I successfully delivered my baby,” Joveris said.
