Health Minister did not address shortage of medication to treat chikungunya, says Opposition
The Opposition says the Health Minister should have addressed the shortfall in medication linked to the treatment of chikungunya.
Persons with chikungunya like symptoms are often advised to take painkillers such as panadol cetamol and tylenol.
However, there have been reports of a panadol and cetamol shortage in pharmacies.
Spokesperson on Health, Dr Ken Baugh says it is important that the public be informed on what is being done to ensure the supply of the medication.
Last week, the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica said there was a shortage of mosquito repellent among its members arising from the high demand from persons seeking to protect themselves from the chikungunya virus.
Baugh also questioned the absence of a command centre consisting of experts and other stakeholders to communicate with the public on the outbreak of the virus.
JLP caretaker for Eastern St Thomas, Delano Seiveright says the Government needs to assign a new spokesperson to communicate with the public about developments with chikungunya.
This as he says Ferguson has lost credibility as a spokesperson on the chikungunya issue.
Seivright says acting permanent secretary in the Health Ministry, Dr Kevin Harvey should be the person in charge of leading the response.
St Thomas is believed to be one of the parishes worst-hit by the chikungunya virus.
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