Gauteng hospitals in short supply
'64 Essential medicines short at Gauteng hospitals'.
A total of 64 essential medicines are unavailable or in short supply at Gauteng public hospitals, causing severe problems for patients who need them the DA said in a statement.
“This was revealed by Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu in a written reply to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature,” DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, Jack Bloom said.
“According to Mahlangu, 86 per cent of Vital medicines and 76 per cent of Essential medicines are available. Medicine shortages vary at different hospitals, depending on the level of care that is given.”
Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital is said to be the worst affected, with 51 drugs out of stock, followed by Leratong Hospital (50 items) and Kalafong Hospital which is short of 49 medicines.
According to Bloom, the shortages at other major hospitals are as follows:
• Helen Joseph Hospital: 46
• Steve Biko Academic: 45
• Edenvale Hospital: 39
• Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg: 37
• South Rand Hospital: 28
Out of stock medicines include:
• Paracetomol tablets 500mg
• Atenolol tablets
• Amoxycillin acid suspension
• Pethidine hydrochloride injection
• Rantidine hydrochloride injection
• Ibuprufen suspension 100mg
• Calcium carbonate tablets
• Zinc sulphate syrup
• Lactulose syrup
• Omeprazole capsules
“I am aware of cases where patients are given a script and told to buy from a private pharmacy, but many cannot afford to do this,” Bloom added.
Bloom continued “Mahlangu says that if stocks are low, patients get a one month supply instead of the usual three month supply, and that institutions assist each other where medicines are in short supply. She blames the non-availability of medicines on national tenders and the failure of suppliers to build up the necessary stock levels to meet the province’s needs.
“It is scandalous that nearly one in four essential medicines are not available in Gauteng public hospitals and clinics.
“This appalling situation has dragged on for far too long and requires effective measures to ensure that medicines are always available.”
