Letato Mbhiza
THE Gauteng Health Department on Wednesday confirmed that there is a shortage of Adrenalin at several facilities across the province, including at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto.
The department said the shortage of Adrenalin began in May due to the supplier not meeting its contractual obligations.
Adrenaline injections are used as a first-line drug in cardiac arrest cases for resuscitation. It’s also used as a medical treatment for life-threatening emergencies.
The department’s spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said the supplier, PharmaQ, is struggling to meet the demand.
“A majority of our facilities have one-month stockholding instead of the usual two months. PharmaQ is only supplying limited quantities. The reason cited by the company is load shedding, which has now been addressed as they say they have made provision for alternative power supply.
“The National Department of Health, as the contract owners, are in continuous discussion with the supplier to address the challenges experienced.”
Modiba said the shortage has not had an impact on patients.
“During this period, no patient’s health has been compromised, as clinicians are managing the situation based on patient need. In instances where cases are in need of Adrenaline, the drug is administered. Those who are stable are given other medication to manage their condition.
“Pharma-Q is struggling to cope with the demand, and is only supplying limited quantities, they say they have made provision for alternative power supply,” Modiba said.
Even though Bara used up its last ampoule of Adrenaline on 14 August, Modiba said that the “majority of our facilities have one-month stockholding, instead of the usual two months”.
INSIDE POLITICS
