26 Mar 2014

The Assistant Minister of Health, Dr Gloria Somolekae has informed Parliament that her ministry is not aware that Anti Retro Viral (ARV) drugs at Ditshegwane, Sesung, Metsibotlhoko, Maboane and Dutlwe health posts are stored and dispensed in an unsafe place.

She said this was because ARV’s, like any other drugs, were kept in the drug storerooms and facilities only kept a minimum stock of one month.

Dr Somolekae said her ministry had plans to upgrade all health posts in the country including those mentioned but due to the current economic situation, this upgrading had been deferred. She stated that Ditshegwane health post was the only facility that was maintained in March 2013 through the Ipelegeng programme.

Nevertheless, she said, the other health posts would be maintained during the 2014/ 15 financial year.

MP for Letlhakeng West Mr Ngaka Ngaka had asked her if she was aware that ARV drugs at the mentioned health posts were not stored and dispensed in a safe place and if so, what did she intend to do about the situation.

He further asked her to state when the health posts would be upgraded and when they were last maintained. Ends