The Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services says it is attending to the shortage of oxygen gas supply in the National Referral Hospital.
The shortage came about after the supplier BOC Gas, closed all credit facilities to the National Medical Store until the outstanding debt of more than one-million dollars is cleared.Ministry of Health's Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ross confirms that an understanding has been reached with the Ministry of Finance, and payment to BOC Gas Solomon Islands should be made before the weekend.
Dr. Lester Ross says the Ministry will settle half of its million dollar debt to BOC Gas Solomon Islands.
Dr. Ross assures hospital users that oxygen supplies to the hospital should be back to normal this week.
Dr Ross thanks BOC Gas Solomon Islands for being lenient in allowing the ministry to pay at least half of the amount it owed to them.