COSATU Gauteng is deeply concerned about the shortage of medication at Tembisa Hospital

24 July 2023

The Congress of South African Trade Unions(COSATU) in Gauteng is concerned about the lack of medication at Tembisa Hospital. Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital is battling with inadequate stock since January, this includes injections to treat among others, conditions such as bipolar, high blood pressure and epilepsy.

Tembisa Hospital serves the poorest of the poor and the working class. For the sick to being unable to access medication as required is tantamount to murder. It is for this reason that COSATU continuously calls for the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) as a solution that would assist the working class and the impoverished to easily access health facilities and medication.

COSATU further reiterates the importance of state-owned pharmaceutical companies, which will alleviate these kinds of challenges.

It is evident that there is clear mismanagement and miscommunication between the hospital procurement and the suppliers. We call for an immediate investigation into the procurement processes in the department and the fitness of the hospital head.

This calls for serious interventions by the Provincial Government and the Gauteng Department of Health to put in place measures and alternatives that will ensure the supply of medication to patients who are in dire need of medication.

Issued by Amos Monyela, Provincial Chairperson, COSATU Gauteng, 24 July 2023