Aids drug shortage ‘no crisis’‚ but department needs to tighten up orders: DA
The Democratic Alliance’s health spokesperson in Gauteng‚ Jack Bloom‚ noted his concerned about a “reported shortage of the Lamivudine HIV/Aids treatment drug” in the province. The health department confirmed the shortage - after the Treatment Action Campaign raised the issue – saying it was “a matter of low supply” and the drug is only available in a 150g dosage‚ instead of the usual 300g.“Whilst this should not be a real crisis as a double dose can be taken‚ there have been cases‚ especially in the East Rand‚ where patients have been told that the drug is simply not available‚” said Bloom.“This is inexcusable as any interruption in treatment can lead to dangerous drug resistance.“The department needs to tighten up on its drug orders and its communication with clinics and hospitals.”The shortage of Aids drugs at public health facilities made headlines in May last year when newspapers reported that stocks were at “critical levels”.Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi‚ however‚ claimed there are “more than adequate” antiretroviral medicines and said South Africa was at the mercy of the global pharmaceutical industry for many other drugs...
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