SOROTI DISTRICT RECEIVES FIRST BATCH OF ESSENTIAL MEDICINES FROM NMS

By Abraham Ekwaru, Communication Officer Soroti district

Soroti District has received a fresh consignment of essential medicines from the National Medical Stores (NMS), offering relief to health facilities that have been grappling with acute drug shortages in recent months.

The delivery, made on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the Soroti District Headquarters, marks the first cycle of medical supplies under the 2025/2026 financial year.

Dr. Charles Okhadi, the Soroti District Health Officer (DHO), welcomed the delivery and said it had come at a critical moment when most government health facilities were running low or had completely run out of key medicines.

“We have been experiencing severe shortages of essential medicines across the district,” Dr. Okhadi said. “This delivery is timely and will significantly ease the burden on our health workers and improve the quality of care for our people.”

The consignment includes a range of critical drugs such as antibiotics, antimalarials, painkillers, and maternal health items, which are vital in treating common illnesses and supporting emergency care.

Mr. Victor Mutai, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC), who witnessed the handover of the medical supplies, applauded the government for responding swiftly to the district’s health needs.

“This is a sign of the government’s commitment to improving healthcare in the region,” Mutai said. “With these medicines now available, we expect a significant reduction in drug stockouts and better service delivery at all levels.”

Mr. Mutai also urged health workers to serve the public with renewed dedication and ensure that the drugs are distributed fairly and used appropriately.

“I call upon all medical personnel to uphold professionalism and ensure these medicines reach the patients who need them most,” he said. “There should be no room for mismanagement or theft.”

He further encouraged residents to utilise government health facilities, assuring them that the essential drugs are now available.

“I want to appeal to the community to stop resorting to self-medication and instead visit nearby health centres for proper treatment,” Mutai advised.

The district health department has promised to strengthen monitoring and supervision to ensure the medicines are accounted for and that every facility receives its allocated share.

The replenishment is expected to improve access to essential healthcare services, especially in rural areas where the effects of drug shortages have been most severe.

Ends