Polio vaccine supply runs dry in Newcastle
According to Dr Imran Keeka, a newly elected MP for the DA, the hospital, which is dedicated to the care of mothers and children, has been unable to administer the oral vaccine, TOPV, since mid-April.
A statement made by the Democratic Alliance on Tuesday brought to light the shortage of polio vaccines at the Newcastle Provincial Hospital.
According to Dr Imran Keeka, a newly elected MP for the DA, the hospital, which is dedicated to the care of mothers and children, has been unable to
administer the oral vaccine, TOPV, since mid-April.
“According to a professional source, parents were instead told to go to the nearest clinic to have their babies vaccinated,” said Cllr Keeka. “Whether parents
have done this, whether clinics had the vaccine or whether it was available later according to the six-week vaccine schedule, must be investigated urgently.” The DA expressed its concern, saying the fact that the vaccine was not being available was ‘scandalous’.
Farouk Rehman, Chairman of the Newcastle Provincial Hospital board, said he had immediately contacted the Department of Health district manager, Nomsa Tshabalala, who confirmed a shortage of the vaccine.
“She informed me that a shortage of the vaccine has been apparent in all districts since early May, not mid-April,” said Mr Rehman.
“She explained that a record was being kept of the children who had not yet received the vaccination and that as soon as supplies were available, they would ensure the administering of the vaccine.”
Dr Keeka, who himself is a medical professional, highlighted the dangers of the disease. “The fact that the last reported case of polio in South Africa was almost 20 years ago, does not mean this highly infectious condition and its consequences, which include paralysis or terminal illness, should be treated in a frivolous or trivial manner.”
On Tuesday, the DA called on KZN Health MEC, Dr Sibongiseni (Max) Dhlomo to intervene immediately during a sitting of the provincial legislature.
“This matter must be investigated to identify the cause of the problem. More importantly, the MEC must ensure that the vaccine is urgently supplied to the hospital,” continued Dr Keeka.
“The DA will also call for an urgent investigation by the KZN Health Department into whether such a situation exists in other clinics and hospitals around the province.” Mothers with newborn children are urged to ensure their children receive the vaccine, to prevent this potentially deadly disease from finding a foothold in a society, which has been free of its horrors for almost two decades.
