The newly constructed National Drug Service Organization (NDSO) warehouse is one of the few drug distributors in South African Development Community (SADC) countries and a special one locally.

The Prime Minister, Dr Moeketsi Majoro made these remarks during the official opening of the NDSO warehouse in Mafeteng on Friday.  He said the centre receives and distributes drugs countrywide though there are private drug distributors.

He said Mafeteng is one of the luckiest districts for being provided with large important drug distributors, hence community members and local leaders should protect the centre.

Dr Majoro reminded the gathering that the district used to manufacture drugs which were distributed locally and internationally but the centre is no longer operating as a producer because the intention is to revive it for the healthy living of the people.

Speaking at the same occasion, the Minister of Health, Mr. Semano Sekatle said the presence of coronavirus in the country forced them to change their way of thinking as other countries concentrated on helping their people while other countries were suffering.

He said the warehouse is important and should be protected as it provides members of the community with quality pharmaceutical services and needs to be operated by professionals.

The Minister informed the gathering that the building has been constructed in such a way that will protect drugs from being damaged or contaminated.

Also speaking at the event was the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Chieftainship, Mrs. ‘Mathato Phafoli who expressed gratitude for this warehouse and how it will be helpful to Basotho.

She said the warehouse is a monument that needs to be protected for healthy living for all, saying members of the community in the district are so blessed to have an important treasure in the district.

The Deputy Minister however said it is time for members to introspect and create a new lifestyle free from criminal activities.

The Principal Chief of Likhoele, Chief Lerotholi Seeiso said leadership is a collaborative effort where those being led should enjoy the development being brought by the government of Lesotho.

He thanked the Ministry of Health for building the warehouse, saying the country was producing and distributing drugs locally and in SADC countries for a long time.

Present at the occasion were senior government officials, health partners, chiefs and the public.

Source: LENA  13/08/2022