Sol Plaatje must turn streetlights on for festive season
by Isak Fritz, MPL – DA Spokesperson of Health
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Date: 27 March 2018
Release: Immediate
The DA condemns poor planning by the Northern Cape Health Department that has resulted in a number of health facilities being left without medication.
This comes after the Dr Arthur Letele Depot allegedly released staff, due to the current water crisis being experienced in Kimberley, before they completed the packaging and distribution of medicines to a number of small towns. As a result, health facilities in Loxton, Victoria West, Vosburg, Van Wyksvlei, Britstown, Wege, Carnarvon and Strydenburg have not received their monthly pre-packed medical prescriptions and stock.
The DA understands that the extended water crisis has created chaos with regards to hygiene issues at homes, schools and workplaces across Kimberley. However, the Dr Arthur Letele Depot is not just an administration hub, instead it forms a key part of our critical health services.
The depot knew about the planned water shutdown weeks in advance. Surely they could have anticipated the challenges that the water shutdown would pose and have planned better to ensure that all stock was packed and distributed ahead of the shutdown or alternatively arranged for JoJo tanks to be in place?
The DA will report the poor management of pharmaceuticals by the Dr Arthur Letele Depot to Health MEC, Fufu Makatong. Officials must be held accountable for risking the lives of the province’s sick people through a lack of foresight and planning.
People deserve to have access to life-saving medication. Patients on chronic medication should also not have their treatment schedules interrupted due to poor management on the part of the health department, as this can have serious adverse effects on their health.
A DA government will work hard to ensure that out-of-stocks become a thing of the past.
Media Enquiries
Isak Fritz, MPL
DA Spokesperson of Health
083 395 2737
Shelley De Witt
Researcher
082 847 1387
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