Health department addresses Tshwane clinic ‘medicine shortages’

The Department of Health has investigated complaints of medicine shortages at Olievenhoutbosch Clinic in Tshwane.

Deputy Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla and Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko toured the clinic following resident complaints about lengthy queues, medicine shortages, and staffing issues.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Phaahla confirmed that the facility maintains approximately 97% medicine availability, “which is far above the norm”.

Deputy Minister Dr Joe Phaahla says @HealthZA received a complaint about medicine unavailability at Olievenhoutbosch Clinic. He clarified the issue stems from poor communication from healthcare providers, not stock and the clinic has 97% medicine availability. #AsibeHealthyGP pic.twitter.com/ZK5lMXRNgR

— Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) April 15, 2025

Medicine availability issues investigation reveals communication issues

After receiving complaints about the unavailability of medicine, health officials conducted a thorough investigation involving both the Tshwane Metro Municipality and provincial authorities.

“Having gone deeper into that complaint, they were unable to find the substance in terms of a shortage of medicines at this clinic,” Phaahla explained.

Speaking to the SABC, the deputy minister clarified that reported shortages often involve specific medications rather than general stock issues.

In one case observed during the visit, a patient was informed that a prescribed strong painkiller wasn’t available.

“Sometimes a doctor wants to prescribe a particular medicine [which] is not part of the stock of the clinic, but there are alternatives,” Phaahla said.

He noted that certain medications, particularly strong painkillers, are typically stocked at hospitals rather than primary healthcare facilities, but substitutes are usually available.

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Stock management solutions

The deputy minister emphasised the need for improved inventory practices and system maintenance to address concerns about medication availability.

“The immediate solution is to make sure that the clinic improves on its stock management,” Phaahla said, adding that the city needs to address air conditioning maintenance issues that affect proper storage conditions, particularly for the cold chain.

He recommended implementing the national stock visibility system to better track inventory levels.

“Every day they are able to scan all the medication… which then tells you at the end of the day these are the items which are not in good supply,” he explained.

“Stock is not something which you just sort out today. You need to maintain it,” Phaahla added.

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Health system under pressure from foreign nationals

During the media briefing that followed the oversight, the health department acknowledged that public healthcare facilities are overwhelmed, with foreign nationals reportedly adding significant strain to an already-burdened system.

Despite the Gauteng Department of Health’s budget being fully allocated, officials report that resources are stretched thin, with migrant care representing a substantial burden on the system.

South Africa’s National Health Act guarantees access to free basic public healthcare at clinics to all individuals, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.

With patient numbers continuing to grow and public facilities facing immense pressure, Phaahla was quoted by EWN as admitting that the healthcare system is approaching its capacity and financial limits.

“We’ve been discussing at our national health council… are there possibilities of assistance from foreign governments? It’s a problem we are stuck with,” he stated.

Phaahla warned that the health system will continue to struggle with mounting resource demands without policy reform or additional funding.

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