10 July 2006
The Department of Health notes the statements attributed to the South
African Medical Association (SAMA) and the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC)
regarding reports on the importation of a stock of Vitacel, by the Rath
Foundation.
It is unfortunate that the two organisations made these misinformed
statements without establishing the facts of the matter with the Department of
Health.
The stock was withheld by customs officials on the basis that some of the
tablets contained a scheduled substance. According to the Medicines Act,
scheduled substances can only be procured under the care of a registered
pharmacist or medical practitioner.
There was a legal correspondence from Rath Foundation requesting the release
of the stock under the care of a pharmacist registered with the South African
Pharmacy Council. This meant that importation of the stock complied with the
requirements of the law and therefore it could be released to the Rath
Foundation under the care of a pharmacist.
There is therefore, no justification for any investigation into the conduct
of the Department of Health and its officials. The Department acted within the
ambit of the Medicine Act both in terms of withholding and subsequently
releasing the stock under the care of a pharmacist.
Enquiries:
Sibani Mngadi
Cell: 082 772 0161
Issued by: Department of Health
10 July 2006
