Dawn Van der Merwe (81) is one of the vulnerable patients severely affected by the alleged medication shortage at Pellsrus Clinic in Jeffreys Bay, having gone without essential chronic medication for two months.
Van der Merwe said that in January this year, she was diagnosed with a chronic illness that required daily treatment.
Following months of consistent treatment, she experienced significant health improvements and welcomed relief from the pain and discomfort associated with her condition.
To maintain control over her condition, Van der Merwe attends regular medical examinations and receives treatment at the Pellsrus Clinic.
Unfortunately, for the last two months, her treatment has been disrupted due to a shortage of her medication at the clinic.
“The medicine dispensary at the clinic is bare, with hardly any medication in stock,” said Van der Merwe.
After making strides with daily medication, she said that her health has taken a step backwards due to the two-month interruption in treatment.
She said that the cost of the essential medication, R800 for 30 tablets, exceeds her financial means, given that it accounts for nearly half of her monthly social grant.
In addition, travelling to the clinic multiple times a week to inquire about her medication has added further financial strain.
Fortunately, she has continued to receive her blood pressure medication, but she fears that this supply will soon dwindle.
Van der Merwe said that clinic staff unfairly bear the brunt of patients’ frustrations, even though they strive to do their best when taking care of the many sick people who visit the clinic.
She further expressed concerns about a widespread medication shortage, revealing that nearby clinics are also struggling to access essential medicines.
“I do not want to cause any trouble; I just want answers as to what the reason is for the medicine shortage and when it will be resolved,” said Van der Merwe.
According to Mkhululi Ndamase, spokesperson within the Eastern Cape Department of Health, when Van der Merwe visited the clinic on August 26, she received most of the medication she needed except for one tablet, which was temporarily out of stock.
“For confidential reasons, the tablet will not be disclosed to the public, but we can assure you that it’s not a life-saving drug,” said Ndamase.
Nonetheless, he said that the facility acted swiftly and ordered the tablet from their depot in Gqeberha, which has since been delivered to the facility.
Ndamase further stated that there was no crisis, but a stock-out of a specific medication which has since been replenished.
“The Department remains committed to ensuring that there is life-saving medication at our facilities across the province,” said Ndamase.
He also expressed gratitude to their suppliers who continue to supply the Department with medication even when they are experiencing cash flow challenges.
