Mediclinic Limpopo, Rethabile partner against TB

In response to the national shortage of TB vaccines, Mediclinic Limpopo will donate a supply of its surplus vaccines to Rethabile Community Clinic in the city on Mandela Day (Tuesday).
Leonie Hillary, Unit Manager at the Maternity Unit of Mediclinic Limpopo explained that all babies should be immunised against TB soon after birth. “There has been a shortage of vaccines nationally since the beginning of last year. The Danish manufacturer that had an exclusive permit to export vaccines to South Africa, was unable to supply enough stock and limited vaccines were only supplied to government hospitals. Mediclinic Holdings has however managed to secure stock from a supplier in India and ensures that all babies born in its hospitals are immunised,” Hillary explained.
Mediclinic Limpopo Patient Experience Manager Istha McMillan said the hospital has enough in stock but it will expire at the end of September if not used. “We can therefore donate the surplus to Rethabile Community Clinic in Magazyn Street to ensure that babies that have not been immunised as yet, can be reached,” McMillan says.
McMillan advised parents to bring their babies to the clinic before lunch on Mandela Day. “The vaccines can only be used within six hours after it was mixed,” McMillan explained.
Health Department Spokesperson Thabiso Teffo confirmed the partnership between Mediclinic Limpopo and the department.

Story: BARRY VILJOEN
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