Overview:
Rumors that Belau National Hospital has run out of critical antibiotics have raised concern across Palau, especially as some patients report being asked to purchase medicines from private pharmacies. Health officials say the hospital remains well stocked, explaining that supply chain issues and drug preferences—not shortages—are driving confusion.
By: L.N. Reklai
KOROR, Palau (January 20, 2026)— Reports circulating in the community that Belau National Hospital has run out of critical antibiotics are false, according to Palau’s Chief Pharmacist Claret Matlab of the Ministry of Health and Human Services.
Several patients and family members have reported being asked by their doctors to purchase antibiotics from private pharmacies for use during treatment at the national hospital. Those requests, shared widely within communities, have fueled rumors that the hospital pharmacy is running out of critical medicines.
Matlab said the hospital is not out of antibiotics and continues to maintain a broad and compliant pharmaceutical inventory.
“We are not out of antibiotics,” Matlab said. “We have over 1,000 different kinds of medicines in stock, all in compliance with Current Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Distribution Practices. What we have can address a wide range of medical issues.”
Matlab acknowledged that some specific antibiotics are temporarily unavailable, but said the issue is tied to production shortages in the United States rather than a breakdown in Palau’s supply system.
“These particular antibiotics are manufactured only in the U.S., and the amount produced is not enough to meet demand,” she said. “We are a very small market, so larger orders are filled first before we get our turn.”
She emphasized that the hospital pharmacy carries equivalent medications that meet required standards, even if some doctors prefer certain brand-name or specific formulations.
“Just because a preferred drug is unavailable does not mean patients are without treatment,” Matlab said. “We carry equivalents that meet the standards and can effectively treat patients.”
Matlab said shipments of the limited antibiotics are already on the way and reassured the public that Belau National Hospital continues to meet Palau’s pharmaceutical needs.
She also pointed to procurement challenges that can delay access to certain medicines, particularly those produced by only one manufacturer.
“Some pharmaceutical companies will not even submit bids because our order sizes are too small,” she explained. “That creates delays or makes it impossible to obtain certain medicines through the standard procurement process.”
To address this issue, Matlab highlighted House Bill 12-12-S1, which has passed the House of Delegates and is currently before the Senate. The bill would amend Palau’s procurement law to allow the Ministry of Health and Human Services to obtain emergency equipment, supplies, services, or pharmaceutical products without going through the full procurement process when there is only one reliable source and the procurement officer makes that determination.
“This would help us avoid long delays and ensure access to critical medicines when no companies submit bids,” Matlab said.
Concerns about medicine shortages have intensified amid an uptick in deaths in recent months, fueling community fears that a lack of critical medications may be contributing to higher mortality.
Matlab rejected that suggestion, reiterating that the national hospital pharmacy maintains a stock of more than 1,000 medicines capable of addressing the country’s medical requirements.
“We understand the concern in the community,” she said. “But the pharmacy remains well stocked, and patients continue to receive appropriate care.”