Three years after the North West Department of Health took over control of the running of the province’s only medical depot, the availability of essential drugs like anti-retroviral and tuberculosis drugs has stabilised.
The Mmabatho medical depot was established in 1999 with the main purpose of providing surgical and pharmaceutical products to primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities. Since its inception, it was outsourced until 2011 when MEC Magome Masike decided to in-source operations at the depot following inconsistent supply of medication in 2010 and early 2011.
Ms Annah Bodibe (51) was diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes in 2007. Ms Bodibe says she has never experienced any trouble with her medication at the Bapong Community Health Centre.
“I have never missed a date for my follow up visits and always get my treatment, as a result I have never had serious health problems,” said Bodibe when asked about adherence to treatment. Bodibe adds that, though she agrees that patients suffering from other ailments may have experienced shortage of medication, she thinks people tend to exaggerate as they are given generic medication.
When given generic medication, Bodibe says she asks the nurse to explain to her why her pills have changed. She admits to not knowing the exact names of the pills she takes and so recognises them by their appearance.
The availability of essential drugs like anti-retroviral and tuberculosis drugs has stabilised at 96% - 100% since the department took control of the medical depot in 2011.
“We promised to turn around the situation by substantially increasing availability of drugs and medicine. I am happy to report that the situation has improved and continue to improve,” said MEC Masike during his recent visit to the depot.
“I need to emphasise that turning around the medical depot is work in progress. The expanded pharmacy at both Ganyesa Hospital and Bloemhof Community Health Centre will help with bulk storage of medication and other essential drugs to substantially add to our efforts of ensuring constant availability of medication in our facilities,” he said.
Medical depot manager, Sarah Mokgatlha said the depot now has weekly deliveries to hospitals.
Enquiries:
Tebogo Lekgethwane
Cell: 082 929 9958
E-mail: tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za
