Suriname’s national drug supply agency faces a substantial financial and logistical challenge following the expiration of pharmaceuticals worth approximately $1.3 million. The Bedrijf Geneesmiddelenvoorziening Suriname (BGVS) has formally reported the situation to Health Minister André Misiekaba, detailing both the immediate disposal requirements and underlying systemic issues.
According to BGVS Director Quincy Joemai, the expired medications represent previously purchased and paid-for supplies that were not utilized within their shelf life. The substantial volume of expired drugs has created significant storage complications, forcing the agency to relocate the materials to an external warehouse three times larger than their previous facility. ‘We faced a critical space shortage,’ Joemai explained through the Suriname Communication Service. ‘This warehouse allows secure storage pending destruction.’
The disposal process presents considerable challenges, with BGVS currently negotiating with hospitals possessing incineration capabilities to ensure environmentally compliant destruction. Burial or dumping remains prohibited under national environmental regulations. ‘These materials require appropriate destruction methods, but the associated costs are substantial,’ Joemai noted.
To mitigate financial pressures, authorities are exploring cost offsetting through outstanding hospital debts. Additionally, officials are developing a method to remove medications from their packaging before disposal, reducing volume and weight to lower transportation and destruction expenses. The complete disposal operation is projected to require one to two years given the massive scale of expired inventory.
Beyond immediate disposal concerns, BGVS is implementing organizational reforms addressing deeper structural issues. Director Joemai inherited significant operational and financial challenges upon appointment, including critically low inventories and substantial debts. ‘We first needed rescue operations, now we’re in the recovery phase,’ he stated.
Despite current challenges, the agency reports gradual improvement in medication availability, with drugs listed on the National Medicines Formulary increasing from 18% to 21% availability. ‘Quality remains our priority,’ Joemai emphasized. ‘Medications only receive distribution approval after thorough verification by our pharmacists and laboratory personnel.’
Healthcare observers indicate this $1.3 million loss underscores the urgent need for enhanced inventory management, refined procurement planning, and improved distribution systems to prevent future recurrence of such substantial waste.