Public and political controversy over the management of medical supplies and drugs by the Government of Guyana is not confined to what its critics allege is considerable discrimination in favour of the privately-owned New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (New GPC).
It also extends to concerns over proper accounting for, storage and timely use of pharmaceutical drugs.
The recently released 2011 report of the Auditor General has again pointed an accusing finger at the Ministry of Health in the matter of what it says was evidence of the overstocking of drugs and medical supplies, a circumstance, which the report says “contributed to the ministry’s continuous loss due to the expiration of large quantities of drugs at various locations.”
Cumulatively, according to the report, the auditors were able to verify expired drugs valuing approximately $35 million that were processed and destroyed by the Food and Drugs Department last year.
