Minister confirms oxygen & food shortage at NRH due to outstanding payments

Minister of Health and Medical Services Dr Culwick Togamana has confirmed last night there are oxygen bottles and some food items’ shortage at the NRH and they are working to address that.

Speaking in his twice a week COVID-19 Update, Togamana said: “Yes, I can confirm that the hospital has been facing shortages with these items since last week. The issue is with outstanding payments to the suppliers of oxygen bottles and food rations.”

He said delay with these outstanding payments are due to multiple factors both within and outside of reach of the Ministry. “Nevertheless, we are working with the Ministry of Finance to expedite these payments at the earliest.

“Our officials have also been in touch with these suppliers for assurances with their payments and for resumption of their services to the hospital. I thank these firms for their kind understanding and patience,” he said.

Media reports say patients had been eating biscuit with tea or coffee as suppliers stop giving food because of outstanding bills.