KwaZulu-Natal’s Portfolio Committee on Health has acknowledged medication supply issues in some public health facilities, but insists there is no major crisis.
Committee chairperson Imraan Keeka stated that while certain suppliers had failed to deliver the full stock due to payment-related issues, no facility has completely run out of medication. The Ilembe District is the worst affected, with stock levels dropping below the acceptable 80% threshold.
The committee has given the provincial Health Department two weeks to provide an updated report on payments and stock levels. Additionally, officials will conduct an oversight visit to the central medicine depot, which is currently operating at 74% capacity.
Meanwhile, MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Mngadi has dismissed ActionSA's calls for her removal over the issue, stating she remains unfazed by the political pressure.