CORTEX transition caused $7.7B medicines recording backlog – Health Ministry – INews Guyana

Full statement below: 

The Ministry of Health confirms that all medicines valued at $7.7 billion referred to in the recent media report were supplied by the respective contractors and received and accepted by the Ministry.

At the time of the Auditor General’s checks, the Ministry was implementing CORTEX, its new supply chain management software. During this transition, a backlog developed in entering information on supplies that had already been received and accepted. The discrepancy therefore arose from delays in recording deliveries in the system.

The issue responsible for the data-entry backlog has now been resolved, and the medicines comprising the $7.7 billion have been entered into CORTEX. Work continues to complete the remaining entries and bring the records fully up to date.

The Auditor General has been informed of these developments.

It is important to note that some procurement contracts span multiple years, with deliveries scheduled in phases under legally binding agreements with suppliers. Consequently, outstanding contract values may reflect future scheduled deliveries rather than delays in fulfilling contractual obligations.

The Ministry also wishes to clarify the suggestion that limited storage capacity at the Materials Management Unit (MMU) prevented receipt of these supplies. The medicines in question were delivered and accepted, with storage arrangements including an off-site facility. Supplies are being distributed to health facilities across the country through the Ministry’s distribution network.

The Ministry continues to expand and decentralise its storage and distribution capacity. Regional Distribution Centres have been established in Regions 2 and 10, while centres in Regions 1, 6 and 9 are in the final stages of development. These facilities will support more efficient storage and timely delivery of medicines and medical supplies to communities.

The Ministry recognises the importance of the Auditor General’s findings and its responsibility to maintain accurate, timely and verifiable inventory records. Addressing the recording backlog is part of its ongoing work to strengthen accountability and improve management of the national health supply chain.

The Ministry remains committed to ensuring that people across Guyana have reliable access to essential medicines and medical supplies.

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