GAUTENG MEDICINE SHORTAGES OF CONCERN

I am concerned by the finding by the Stop Stockouts Campaign that about 20% of Gauteng health facilities were short of HIV and TB medicines in the past three months.

The shortage was even higher in Johannesburg and Ekhuruleni with roughly a quarter of health facilities reporting shortages.

This shows that the Gauteng Health Department is still failing to distribute key medicines reliably despite claims of a successful turn-around.

The health implications are dire as resistance builds up if these medicines are not taken regularly.

It is shameful that the richest province is on a par with the Eastern Cape in this matter.

We surely can and should do better in Gauteng.

Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Health Spokesman, November 29 2013

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