This was revealed by the Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Relehoko when responding to questions at Gauteng Provincial Legislature. 

MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko indicated that the medication shortages emanated from suppliers not having stock, fast moving items not being available on contract with increasing medications on buyout and delays in deliveries from the depot or suppliers. 

Some of the medication that was in short supply included: 

• Sodium valproate injection used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It's occasionally used to prevent migraine headaches. Phenytoin injection was given as an alternative. 
• Hydrochlorothiazide 25mg is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg was given as an alternative. 
• Sodium bicarbonate 8.5% is an antacid used to mainly to relieve heartburn and acid indigestion. 
• Sodium bicarbonate 4.2% was given as an alternative. 

The MEC gave an assurance that while there were shortages of other medicines, the facility’s pharmacy department had alternative medicines dispensed to patients. 

“In a bid to ensure that the facility does not experience medication shortages, we have put measures in place to ensure that there is adequate medication. These measures include bulk ordering of stock, communicating with suppliers on alternatives when experiencing medicine shortages, weekly stock check on fast moving items, working with other health facilities and buyout processes initiated promptly,” explained MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko. 

Ends/ 

Issued by the Gauteng Department of Health