The Gauteng health department has begun distributing antitroviral drugs to clinics that had experienced short supplies in recent weeks.
A total of 50 000 units of lamivudine was delivered at Helen Joseph hospital this morning and was delivered to Ekurhuleni clinics. Tshwane clinics and other areas also received supplies. More stock is expected to be received and distributed for the rest of the week.
The MEC for Health Hope Papo has apologized to patients who were inconvenienced by the recent inadequate drug supplies.
“We understand that a shortage of drugs places a heavy burden on patients who have to make many trips to the clinics. We are also sensitive to the fact that patients my develop drug resistance if they do not take their medication regularly.
“It is for this reason that we are taking every possible step to stabilize drug supply in the province,” he said.
Daveyton East clinic, which had experienced much pressure of inadequate ARV supplies, was among the first clinics to receive stock. Clinic personnel expressed optimism that the stock they are received will bring relief to many of their patients.
The improvement in the availability of anti-retroviral drugs means that clinics will start improving dosages given to patients from one week to a month.
In time patients who are in a stable condition and are adhering properly to their treatment will be provided with three months supplies to minimise visits to clinics and save them transport costs.
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
