Will there be a medicine shortage this festive season? Gauteng health clears the air

While major pharmaceutical companies and some delivery services may be impacted by the festive season, the Gauteng Department of Health has allayed fears of hospitals and clinics running out of medicine.

At least 84% of South Africans rely on public health care services, including medicine and checkups. According to Statistics South Africa, just over 60% of Gauteng residents use public healthcare facilities.

There have been several reports over the years of facilities running out of medicine, including in July when a shortage of tuberculosis (TB) and HIV left North West residents empty-handed.

In a briefing on Wednesday, MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko assured residents that they could breathe easy this holiday period.

She outlined extensive preparations to ensure continuous medical supply and emergency services across the province.

ALSO READ: Security at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital to cost R6 million per month until 2027

According to Nkomo-Ralehoko, the Medical Supplies Depot (MSD) had pledged to keep medicine availability over 95% and to proactively address possible disruptions.

The department has also bought medicine early and increased stock levels, to make up for pharmaceutical companies closing during the holiday period.

“We are processing an increased number of buyout quotations on the Medsas system to ensure that facilities receive adequate supplies based on their demands.”

Delivering vital medicines to facilities can also be a challenge during a month of slowdowns, but Nkomo-Ralehoko said the department’s warehouse team was actively communicating with health facilities to arrange alternative delivery dates and permit facilities to double their stock levels where storage space allows.

Clinics report early patient surge

According to residents, clinics across the province have experienced a significant spike in patient visits over the past two weeks.

Many are arriving early to collect medicines and conduct check-ups before heading out of the province.

According to Nkomo-Ralehoko, 38 Community Health Centres will continue to operate 24 hours a day throughout the festive period, ensuring continuous access to essential medical care.

“No one should miss out on their treatment during this period,” Nkomo-Ralehoko stated.

The comprehensive preparations reflect the Gauteng health department’s commitment to what the MEC described as “going beyond the call of duty – responding to emergencies and preserving lives” during this potentially challenging time.

ALSO READ: Gauteng health facing budget shortfall spent R16 million on suspended officials

Backlogs at forensics?

Emergency service calls could increase by up to 25% during the festive season. So the department has prepared a fleet of over 400 operational vehicles, including ambulances and rescue vehicles.

Nkomo-Ralehoko also allayed fears that the province’s Forensic pathology services will be overwhelmed by the thousands of casualties that may followed from these emergencies.

She said the services will operate as normal at 11 offices staffed by 38 pathologists and 30 forensic officers, supported by 65 response vehicles.

ALSO READ: Department of Health confirms 24 ambulances allegedly sabotaged by staff

Gauteng food safety

Amid a scourge of food poisoning cases that has hospitalised hundreds of children and killed at least 20, Nkomo-Ralehoko said family members and relatives bore the responsibility of protecting loved ones from foodborne illnesses.

ALSO READ: Food poisoning: Gauteng Education MEC dismisses allegations that school nutrition programme to blame

“Proper handling and storage of food is therefore important to avoid contamination,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.

She pressed on washing hands and frequently cleaning surfaces “to ensure that all food is cooked in a hygienic environment”.

NOW READ: Government steps in to address linen shortage at Baragwanath Hospital