No oral contraceptives available in Ekurhuleni clinics
Following remarks made by the Democratic Alliance (DA) on their dismay regarding a shortage in the supply of contraceptives at clinics, the metro has confirmed that the city is currently facing a challenge in the stock of oral contraceptive.
According to Ekurhuleni caucus DA media liaison, Angela Barnes, the DA is appalled to discover that there are currently no contraceptive pills or injections at any of Ekurhuleni’s clinics
During a monthly council meeting on August 1, DA caucus leader, Shelley Loe, addressed the EMM mayor, Mondli Gungubele, regarding the shortage of contraceptives, asking that he pay the matter more attention.
EMM spokesperson, Sam Modiba, says that the provision of medication, contraceptives and vaccines to the primary healthcare facilities in Ekurhuleni is the mandate of the Gauteng Department of Health.
“The Medicine Supply Depot in Auckland Park, which supplies the provincial medicine depots in Ekurhuleni, is experiencing stock-out of the following oral contraceptives: Triphasil, Nordette and Microval tablets.
“It is the responsibility of the Gauteng Department of Health to ensure that there is a sustainable supply of medication, including contraceptives, however, the shortage is a national challenge, which is due to the supplier being unable to deliver orders,” says Modiba.
Modiba explains that on enquiry with the supplier, it was promised that the Triphasil and Nordette tablets would be delivered in the second week of August.
“With regards to the Microval tablets, the supplier said they would receive stock from the manufacturer at the end of July, which will be in quarantine for a period and only then be released to the depots by the end of August,” says Modiba.
He also emphasised that people note that the EMM does not procure or buy contraceptives or drugs direct from service providers, but orders all stock from the Gauteng Department of Health medicine depots.
“If the depot experiences drug stock-outs, it affects all of the EMM health facilities,” says Modiba.
“However, the metro is constantly in communication with the Gauteng Department of Health’s Ekurhuleni district office, regarding the drug supply challenges.”
