Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tegucigalpa (Agenzia Fides) - In State hospitals in Honduras there is a shortage of basic drugs. The Special Commission for the Purchase of Medicines, through the representative of the local Catholic Church Fr Rafael Alvarado, said “so far the secretary of state has met only 50% or 60% of the national demand for medicines ”. Fr Alvarado said the situation of the country is well represented by the eastern part of Honduras where the estimated consumption is 16 million Lempiras worth (local currency), but hospitals of the region are assigned only 9 million. “The Commission pointed out that so far in the field of healthcare no initiative has been taken. They simply requested an increase of 10%”, the priest said.
According to the Commission, at present supplies of medicines are guaranteed up to June 2008. Hospitals such a ‘Escuela’ maintain an average supply level which fluctuates by 80%. This percentage include basis products such as antibiotics, anti-hypertension drugs and analgesics.(AP) (13/9/2007 Agenzia Fides; Righe:19; Parole:205)
