RAMOTSWA’S ESSENTIAL COVID-19 SUPPLIES RUN SHORT

The Bamalete Lutheran Hospital is running short of essential supplies including chemistry reagents, rapid COVID-19 test kits and Viral Transport Medium (VTM), The Monitor has learnt.

Already, some patients have to wait a little longer for their blood tests while others have been advised to seek services elsewhere. These revelations were made in a written memo by a laboratory technician dated August 25, 2021.

“This communication serves to inform you that we are unable to offer chemistry tests. This is because the reagents are out of stock at the Central Medical Stores (CMS) where we usually get them. The laboratory has however put in place contingency measures to ensure that we continue providing testing services, albeit on a limited scale,” the memo reads. “To this end, the laboratory will be sending samples for testing to the Athlone Hospital laboratory in Lobatse three times a week until the situation improves. Consequently, you should expect an increase in turnaround times for chemistry tests.” The memo further requests stakeholders in the district, especially in clinics and wards or executive officers to minimise the collection of routine tests and collect results as soon as possible. It also states that rapid COVID-19 test kits and VTM are also out of stock at the CMS. However, the hospital has promised stakeholders that it will keep on updating them when the situation improves.

Ramotswa council sub chairperson, Semakaleng Sebogodi said she was not aware of the situation, but she has seen the memorandum.

“Maybe the hospital will give us a report on what is going on at our full council meeting scheduled for September 14, 2021,” she told The Monitor.

The acting hospital matron said: “I cannot comment on the information that was not addressed to the media. That memorandum is meant for the clinics to find another alternative to run any tests they may need urgently.”