Addressing medicine shortages: KZN health committee’s findings

AN OVERSIGHT visit to the Provincial Pharmaceutical Supply Depot gave the KwaZulu-Natal portfolio committee on health, led by chairperson Dr Imran Keeka, some of the answers they needed to understand the province's medicine shortages.

- THOBEKA NGEMA [e-mail]

Thursday's oversight visit was initiated due to public complaints and facility visits. The oversight came days after a follow-up meeting with the KZN Health Department on progress in the medicine shortage issue. Meetings were held on February 18 and March 18.

Keeka stated that the committee is duty-bound to conduct oversight and determine the truthfulness of statements made by Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane and her department.

Provincial Pharmaceutical Supply Depot revelations

Keeka said they found a well-run facility under difficult circumstances.

“We understand that there are budgetary constraints both for the procurement of medicines as well as for the maintenance and uptake of the facility itself,” Keeka said.