MANY patients visiting Ekurhuleni clinics have not been able to receive the medicine they require, Geoff Fenn of the DA said.
“The continued drug stock-outs raise concern as easily available medicines such as aspirin, iron supplements, folic acid and Amoxycillin haven’t been accessible to those in need, despite these drugs having multiple manufacturers.”
He said many of these medicines were used to treat mild pain as well as inflammation. Amoxycillin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria, such as ear and bladder infections, while folic acid is crucial to help prevent serious birth defects.
“The situation has left many patients having to go to privately owned pharmacies to purchase the drugs they require, while other patients who can’t afford to buy medicines, have to go without, having severe effects on their health. Hence stock-outs of these basics are inexcusable.
“With the completion of our own drug storage depot at the former Katlehong North Clinic one would hope that drug stock-outs will become a thing of the past, as real action needs to be taken to ensure decent health care for the people of Ekurhuleni,” Fenn said.
