The Ministry of Health is working to replenish penicillin stocks
“In this current leptospirosis epidemic, we were able to ensure that over 90% of suspected cases were put on penicillin early,”
All forms of penicillin are available from stock at the Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services Centre.
Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services Dr James Fong confirmed this and said that a particular type of penicillin called flucloxacillin was only available as a 250mg capsule and not the usual 500mg.
He said the stockpile of flucloxacillin 500mg capsules was expected in the country on March 30.
“In this current epidemic of leptospirosis, we were able to ensure that over 90% of suspected cases were put on penicillin early,” he said.
“This has resulted in lower than expected severe case admissions in the Central Division and rapid decreases in the West and North Division. Basically, indicating wide availability of penicillin in the subdivisions.
“The only subdivision that had reduced ampicillin stock was Sigatoka (linked to the leptospirosis outbreak in Navosa) but their stocks were replenished today.”
He added that other items like Panadol, oral rehydration salts and other antibiotic stocks were available and distributed as quickly as possible.
