The Ministry of Health and Social Services says it has received and distributed 58 critically needed pharmaceutical and clinical supply line items since July. In its sixth public update on pharmaceutical stock deliveries issued on Tuesday, ministry executive director Penda Ithindi says the deliveries comprise 46 medicine line items and 12 clinical supply line items, which have been distributed throughout the public health supply chain. “In addition, several essential clinical items, including colostomy supplies, have been received and distributed to support the delivery of healthcare services,” he says. Other medicines received include emergency medicines, intravenous fluids, pain medication, vitamin injections and nutritional supplements. “The ministry will continue to closely monitor stock levels, strengthen supply chain management interventions, and work with stakeholders to address supply challenges and improve the availability of essential medicines and health commodities throughout the country,” Ithindi says.