MEASURES TO ADDRESS MEDICINE SHORTAGES IN PLACE

The Gauteng Health Department has put measures in place to address the shortage of medicines in some of its facilities (see GroundUp report).

Currently, the Gauteng's medical depot has a 77% stock level and is monitoring the levels on a daily basis. A daily report is given to the Acting Head of Department who is in constant liaison with hospitals and clinics to ensure that interventions are made in time to remedy any shortages.

All the anaesthetic and psychiatric medicines are available and have been distributed to all facilities. Shortages of panado and antibiotic tablets have been reduced. The fixed dose antiretroviral (ARV) combination is available in sufficient levels. More deliveries are expected today and will be delivered to Chris Hani Baragwanath and Charlotte Maxeke Academic hospitals.

The shortages were noted when various hospitals complained about medicine shortages. The National Department of Health issued notices to suppliers advising them of a breach of general conditions of the contract. The suppliers were also given seven days to deliver all outstanding orders.

Statement issued by Gauteng Department of Health, Head of Communications, Prince Hamnca, December 9 2014

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter