Gauteng Health admits medication supply problems, disputes patients left with nothing
Patients at Gauteng hospitals and clinics reported shortages of epilepsy, blood-clot and mental health medicine.
The Gauteng health department acknowledged medication supply issues at public facilities, though it did not disclose specific medicines affected or the number of patients impacted. They stated their systems aimed to minimize disruptions. The Democratic Alliance (DA) claimed patients at several hospitals, including Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Nigel Clinic, and Northmead Clinic, faced shortages of chronic medications like those for high blood pressure, blood clots, epilepsy, and bipolar disorder.
A pensioner at Steve Biko Academic Hospital reportedly went without Xarelto for two months due to the shortage. The DA also noted Nigel Clinic had not supplied ADHD, anxiety, or autism medication for three months, while Northmead Clinic experienced chronic shortages of epilepsy, anti-psychotic, and bipolar medicines, as well as some pediatric anti-retrovirals.
Experts warned that medication gaps could worsen health conditions and strain the already overwhelmed healthcare system. The department disputed claims that patients were left without treatment, explaining that substitutions could occur, using the same active ingredient but possibly different packaging. They monitor stock through the Stock Visibility System and the National Department of Health's Hot List, with the capacity to source urgently needed medicines from other approved suppliers.
The DA demanded an investigation, questioning whether the issues stemmed from funding deficiencies, procurement failures, supply chain problems, or poor stock management.
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