POOR PATIENTS SUFFER

FINANCIALLY cash-strapped patients who rely on chronic medication administered by provincial hospitals and clinics are concerned about their health and wellbeing.

Sharon Maistry, who was diagnosed with lupus that resulted in inflammation of her body, has not received her monthly medication from the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital since August.

She was given Tramadol and Naproxen, which eased her pain.

Without it, she struggles to complete her chores, including washing clothing or ironing.

Maistry, 46, of Phoenix, is unemployed and her only source of income is a R1 600 disability grant.

“I also suffer with spinal and hip pains after I was injured in car accident. With all of this, I cannot even move at times,” said the mother of four.

She said she felt the government was not doing enough to resolve medicine shortages.

Phoenix resident Geeta Ramraj, 63, who was injured during a botched pap smear examination three years ago, claims she was turned away twice from the same hospital.

The pensioner has been taking Tramadol and applies Premarin cream to the affected area.

“The pain is unbearable and I struggle to walk. Without my medication, I feel sick and miserable. It has been two months and they (the hospital) have not even prescribed alternative medication. We are just expected to return home with nothing. It’s not fair.”