Prime Minister Rick Hou has ordered an audit into the country’s drug procurement system.

The Prime Minister revealed this during a brief meeting with the social media group, Forum Solomon Islands International (FSII), late last week, promising a thorough assessment of the current system and ways it could be improved.

The Solomon Islands National Referral Hospital had faced critical drug shortages, resulting in a massive public outcry – forcing government to take action. Initial reports from the relevant ministry stated that the drugs were being procured, but when weeks turned into months the issue became critical.

Prime Minister Hou took the lead in addressing the issue, and with the worst of it now over, pledging to crackdown on those responsible and find a permanent solution.

The supply of life saving drugs from the Australian government, New Zealand and the WHO ensured that the country avoided a national health crisis.