A $218.7 million Regional Medical Distribution Centre was commissioned in Region Ten on Friday, with the government saying that the facility will improve the storage and distribution of pharmaceuticals and other medical supplies across the region.
The facility, which cost $218,688,808, was formally opened by Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony.
According to the Ministry of Health, the centre is expected to strengthen the region’s medical supply chain by providing for the storage, management and timely distribution of pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and other essential health commodities to healthcare facilities.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Anthony said the facility formed part of the government’s wider investment in public health infrastructure.
He said improvements to health facilities were being accompanied by investments in medical equipment and technology, pharmaceuticals and the recruitment and training of healthcare professionals.
The minister added that the government’s aim was to ensure that persons could access quality healthcare closer to their communities, regardless of where they lived.
Anthony thanked those involved in completing the centre and urged the officials responsible for its management to ensure that it was operated efficiently.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips also addressed the ceremony and said continued investment in public services was important to improving the quality of life of citizens.
Regional and ministry officials, healthcare workers, community representatives and residents also attended the commissioning.
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