POLOKWANE – The Limpopo Department of Health is assuring the public that the most essential medicines are available at facilities across the province. Hospitals and clinics, especially in the rural areas, had been experiencing shortages of medication, including chronic illnesses medication since June last year and the MEC for Health, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, at the time, attributed the shortage to the new computer system.
Read more: Medicine shortage due to new system
The Department’s assurance stems from patients not finding certain medication, which Spokesperson, Neil Shikwambana, says leads to rumours circulating that there is no medication, discouraging others from visiting health care facilities.
“Currently most essential medicines are available at facilities in the province. This includes medication to treat common colds, which saw an escalation in demand due to winter. From time to time, sporadic stock-outs of certain items may occur, but the department is able to intervene by moving such stock through the pharmaceutical depot or nearby facilities. However, this sporadic shortage does not affect items such as ARV’s and vaccines,” he explained.
Read more: “Patients need not worry about receiving generic medication,” says Health Dept
However, the department notes that it is facing challenges with regard to certain contraceptives. Shikwambana says the injection contraceptive is currently in short supply due to the limited supply from the suppliers.
“The pill, however, is available at all facilities. The department is expecting a delivery of the injection contraceptive this week and they should be available in facilities by end of the week,” his statement concluded.
