Dirk Strydom (64) is epileptic and has not been able to fill his prescription at Springs Clinic since January.
“He has been getting his chronic medication (Epilim CR 200) from the clinic for years.
“We went for his collection in January. He only received 40 pills, instead of 120 that he needs for the month,” explained Ilza, Strydom’s daughter.
“We were told to come back to the clinic at a later date for the rest of the pills.”
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She claimed they have been to the clinic every month since, and the staff say there is still no Epilim to give to him.
“We are afraid for his life. In March he suffered a stroke, and we believe the lack of his medicine could have contributed to his condition.
“When he has his medication, he is fine and does not have any seizures. But the last few months have been rough on us,” added Ilza, who takes care of her father full-time.
The Casseldale resident believes it is unacceptable for anyone with a chronic illness to be without medication for this long, especially since the country is in the middle of the third wave of the pandemic.
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In response to our media inquiry, the metro said Epilim CR 200 is available at Springs Clinic, but the supply was not enough at the time of the client’s visit.
In a memo from Sanofi SA to the Provincial Pharmaceutical Depots, the sector is warned that there of impending shortages of Epilim.
“The alternative to the Epilim is Epilizine, which was not supplied as envisage, according to the memo,” explained Zweli Dlamini, spokesperson for Ekurhuleni Municipality.
“The City has a commitment to ensure clients receive adequate and efficient healthcare services.”
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