Today, 18 June 2013, the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development, Women, Children and People with Disabilities found serious challenges at Department of Health’s Provincial Medical Depot in Mahikeng.
The Committee undertook the visit after they found that there was a shortage of medicines in hospitals and clinics especially for the hypertension and diabetes around the province.
The Committee discovered that the depot is not permanently registered under the Medical Controls Council which certifies pharmacies and medical depots across the country.
There was also expired medication lying around whilst hospitals fail to order enough medicine for clinics which cause medicine pile-up at the depot. A Senior Pharmacist at the depot, Ms Sarah Mokgatlha said they do not meet the current standards because the council identified many problems which include lack of standard operational procedures.
“We are currently finalising a progress report with regards to meeting requirements to be sent to the council,” said Ms Mokgatlha.
The Committee Chairperson, Hon. Veronica Kekesi said the depot cannot continue to operate without being registered. It is unacceptable because it has been two years since the department said they will register the depot. In two months’ time, we will do a follow-up visit to check whether the depot met the requirements of medical controls council,” said Hon. Kekesi.
She said the Committee asked for the removal of expired medicine on the shelves.
“It’s unacceptable for hospitals not to order medication for clinics as our people continue to suffer,” said Hon. Kekesi.
For more information:
Namhla Luhabe
Cell: 079 527 0628
