THE KZN Department of Health has been scrambling to restock hospital dispensaries running out of medicines, ranging from vital ARVs to basic paracetamol owing to international pharmaceutical shortages.
Spokesman Sam Mkhwanazi said the department was doing all it could to remedy the situation.
‘The current shortages are in the private and public sectors, however the impact is felt more in the public sector because of the volumes involved. Medicines in short supply locally are also in short supply internationally.’ he said.
To date the province remains short of several drugs, including painkillers and medications used to treat eye and skin ailments as well as antibiotics and lifesaving medication for diabetes.
Ampicillin, penicillin, humalog (insulin), Panado equivalents, Diclofenac injections, Ibuprofen (Brufen equivalent), ointments, creams and essential eye medication form part of an even longer list of medicines that are not available.
Mkhwanazi said urgent interaction with suppliers are underway to address the challenges.
Lower Umfolozi War Memorial Hospital and Ngwelezana Hospital have to date not reported medicine shortages or highlighted concern of insufficient supplies.
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