Belize facing countrywide shortage of medication

Posted: Thursday, August 2, 2018. 8:30 p.m. CST.

By BBN Staff:  Since the start of last month hospitals across Belize have been experiencing a shortage of medication.

At the Western Regional Hospital items like needles, syringes and bandages have been in low supply.

Furthermore, antibiotics and other medications have also been in short supply.

The situation has been so disruptive that some patients have reportedly been asked to bring their own supplies while checking into the hospital.

A source told BBN that the reality is the same at the Northern and Southern Regional hospitals.

Today we contacted the Director of Health Services, Dr. Marvin Manzanero, who confirmed the shortages.

He said that it was caused by a delay in delivery by the suppliers as the items were tendered.

However, he indicated that resources will be in the country sooner than later so as to address the shortage.

We note that this comes at a time when the country has confirmed five cases of H1N1 influenza, otherwise known as swine flu.

To treat this virus, Tamiflu is recommended but according to Dr. Manzanero, that too is seeing a shortage of supply.

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