MPL for DA, Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health Jack Bloom is blaming the Gauteng Department of Health for the drug shortages and cancer treatment machine breakdowns that have hit the province. Bloom said that cancer treatment in Gauteng hospitals had been hindered by drug shortages and machine breakdowns.
He pointed out that according to a written reply he received from the Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu to his questions in the Gauteng Legislature, the following drugs were not available this year at the four academic hospitals that provide cancer treatment:
- Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital – Irinotecan (used in the treatment of colon cancer)
- Steve Biko Academic Hospital – Filgrastim (treatment in marrow cancer), Mitoxantrone, Colaspase
- Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital – Bondronate, Chlorambucil, Disodium Pamidronate, Deferasirox, Danasol, Busulphan, Sandostatin, LAR
- Dr George Mukhari Hospital – Rituximab, Decadron, Thalidomide, Vasenoid.
Bloom said that Mahlangu laid the blame of the shortages predominantly on their suppliers who have not been able to provide these drugs. Bloom pointed out that the Steve Biko Academic Hospital had been hard hit by machine breakdowns in the last 12 months and added that four cancer treatment machines were out of operation. Bloom said that at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, the Orthovoltage machine was broken for a total of 60 days.
Bloom said that Mahlangu claimed that the breakdowns had no impact on the treatment of patients as they were referred to other facilities, but said that this seemed unlikely. “I’m sure that there were unnecessary delays because of this and a great deal of inconvenience for patients who had to travel to other hospitals,” he added.
Bloom alleged that the cancer unit at Steve Biko Academic Hospital had a severe staff shortage of seven radiation therapists, four specialists and 33 nurses. He added that although the situation at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital was slightly better, they were short of 11 radiation therapists, eight nurses and four specialists.
“The Gauteng Health Department should not pretend that cancer treatment is unaffected by the shortages and machinery breakdowns,” he said. Bloom lamented that speedy diagnosis and treatment was essential in saving the lives of cancer patients.
Gauteng Health Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said that it was important to note that chemotherapeutic agents are planned and procured on an individual patient treatment. Mabona confirmed that the drug shortages were due to suppliers’ inability to provide the drugs, as a result institutions had to buy out and this process usually took a long time.
“Referral of patients is done between institutions after ascertaining availability of bed space and personnel so as to ensure it does not put unnecessary pressure on the receiving facility,” said Mabona.
To improve cancer treatment, Mabona said that the Gauteng Department of Health has made cancer care part of its basic services at all hospitals and referral to central hospitals was limited to specialised use of technology, and continuous monitoring on chemotherapy drugs. “Additionally, we have started skills transfer to general specialists and health professionals through continuous professional development,” Mabona said.
