As many as eight hospitals in Gauteng, including Leratong Hospital, are without 64 essential medicines or in low supply.
This was revealed after DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health Jack Bloom received a written reply to his questions by Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu.
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 the worst affected, with 51 drugs out of stock, followed by Leratong Hospital (50 items) and Kalafong Hospital which is short of 49 medicines.
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,” said Bloom.
