In the African National Congress (ANC) election manifesto we committed ourselves to "Review existing Drug policy and strategy to support effective implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) and strengthen the managerial and technical capacity of government."
When I launched Operation Kuyasheshwa La, on 25 June 2009, I identified shortage of medicines at hospitals and clinics as one of the problems that will be tackled head on.
Therefore, the launch of these response vehicles is aimed at ensuring that at no given time should patients leave our hospitals and clinics without having been issued with appropriate drugs due to stock-outs.
Effective healthcare requires a judicious balance between preventive and curative services. A crucial and often deficient element in curative services is an adequate supply of appropriate medicines.
In the health objectives of the National Drug Policy, government clearly outlines its commitment to ensuring availability and accessibility of medicines for all people which are:
* to ensure the availability and accessibility of essential medicines to all citizens
* to ensure the safety, efficacy and quality of drugs
* to ensure good prescribing and dispensing practices
* to promote the rational use of drugs by prescribers, dispensers and patients
* through provision of the necessary training, education and information
* to promote the concept of individual responsibility for health, preventive care and informed decision-making
In achieving these objectives it requires a comprehensive strategy that not only includes improved supply and distribution, but also appropriate and extensive human resource development.
Implementation of an Essential Drugs Programme (EDP) forms an integral part of this strategy, with continued rationalisation of the variety of medicines available in the public sector as a first priority. We make distribution arrangements to ensure that drugs and medical supplies are distributed in the most cost-effective manner.
As we have entered the festive season, and as we approach the FIFA 2010 World Cup, it is crucial that we are not found in short of medical supplies during emergencies. This medical supplies depot continues to play its role as the hub for the distribution of pharmaceuticals and surgical sundries within the Gauteng province.
In spite of the infrastructure constraints, an effective and efficient supply chain function was maintained through the deliveries to five regional pharmacies, 39 hospital pharmacies and stores, 40 clinics and four Lifecare Isidimeni institutions in accordance with a dedicated schedule.
These medicine response vehicles will be utilized to ensure that medicine are delivered in case of an emergency or where medication is urgently required outside the delivery schedule.
Greater cooperation between pharmacists and other health professionals will be promoted to facilitate consensus regarding the choice of drugs. Treatment protocols have a critical role to play in the distribution of medication. We are here today to offer our patients a comprehensive supply of medicine at hospitals and clinics as prescribed by the National Policy which is to ensure an adequate and reliable supply of safe, cost-effective drugs of acceptable quality to all citizens of South Africa and the rational use of drugs by prescribers, dispensers and consumers.
We also received a donation of devices that will warm the blood prior to being transfused to avoid any adverse reactions from the pharmaceutical industry as part of their social responsibility. These blood warmers will be placed at the following hospitals; Sizwe, Heidelberg, South Rand, Kopanong, Tshepong TB Hospital; and Far East Rand Hospital which have been identified as lacking this essential equipment.
This will ensure that our health professionals practice modern techniques and ensure that patients receive the blood at the appropriate temperature. It is of the utmost importance that blood should not be heated in a microwave oven or similar device or any other method.
No more shall patients be required to sleep on blood in order to warm it prior to transfusion. This practice I discovered soon after my appointment as ME, and I promised that it would come to an end!
I must give you the assurance that the department will ensure that our patients will receive the best attention at all times and that the quality of the service will be closely monitored by dedicated staff at institutions.
We will endeavour to obtain more blood warmers in the future to distribute to institutions still in need. I therefore take this opportunity to express our sincere to Mr Shuping from Phambili; and Mr Crower from Stericare; for donating these blood warmers.
Your initiative puts into action the Social Compact that the State President called for in his State of the Nation Address. This is also an opportunity for business leaders and community to form partnerships with the department to ensure Health for a better life.
Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
14 December 2009
