21 May 2015

A member of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) says government needs to act promptly but cautiously towards addressing the seemingly disturbing scenario of segregating ARV drugs recipients from the rest of other outpatient drug dispensing units.

Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse made the observation on May 18 during the ongoing PAC session where the Ministry of Health was presenting its report on the 2013/2014 financial expenditure.

He said some people, who were on ARV treatment, did not feel comfortable by being segregated as this fueled HIV/AIDS stigma on them including their families because it was apparent that some members of the community upon seeing them in that alienated area, would obviously draw conclusion that the recipients were victims of HIV/AIDS.

He said ARV recipients just like other patients, who took treatment of different ailments, should get their medication in one common dispensary unit which does not discriminate against common diseases and ailments.

He therefore wanted the accounting officer to state whether the government or the ministry of health was ready to address the situation as most people have long complained about.
In here response, acting permanent secretary in the ministry, Ms Tebogo Banamile said they were aware of the matter, noting that the ministry was taking positive steps towards addressing it though it is proving to be a dicey situation.

Ms Banamile said while she appreciates the concern raised by the member, it should be noted that there are still some ARV recipients who strongly maintain that they should be segregated from the rest of other dispensary booths because they feel comfortable as there is privacy.

She further said others were of the notion that ARV dispensary units were speedy and hassle-free and as such one did not have to queue for a long time, thus it was user friendly to workers who had to go back to work immediately after refilling and check-ups.

In an endevour to address this catch-22-situation, she said, the ministry had started a pilot project in some clinics and hospitals where ARV recipients took their medication in the same dispensary booth with the rest of other patients.

Meanwhile, she said many people who had enrolled for ARV treatment were those without medical aid insurance while those with the insurance were limited.

She concurred that at the moment, those who did not have medical aid insurance, had no choice but to enroll with government health system for the provision of these lifesaving drugs. On other issues, Ms Banamile said her ministry was still battling to address the problem of ghost workers who had left employment for various reasons.

Nonetheless, Ms Banamile said with regard to those who have absconded; their salaries are now stopped within seven days of non-reporting to duty unlike previously where the officer would be paid and later requested reimburse government. Ends