02 Aug 2017

 Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Philip Makgalemele says to address the non-availability of vital and essential medicines, his ministry has given health facilities funds to source medication from the private market through micro procurement.

He added that health workers were encouraged to prescribe and use alternative medicines where possible.

MP Joseph Molefe of Mahalapye West had wanted to know if the minister was aware of challenges of availability of drugs at Mahalapye District Hospital pharmacy.

Mr Molefe also wanted to know what intervention measures were in place to address non-availability of vital and essential drugs at Mahalapye District Management Team, and what was being done to alleviate patients long waiting time at the pharmacy.

Mr Makgalemele said he was aware of shortages of some drugs such as antibiotics and consumables due to different reasons as elaborated in a media release dated July 21, 2017.

He said to alleviate patients waiting time, hospital pharmacies would be opened during lunch time and working extended hours to ensure all patients get their medicines and that the elderly, pregnant women and students did not join the main queues at the pharmacy. ENDS