Chemo drug shortage not unique to KZN
THE provincial Department of Health has denied reports that chemotherapy has been stopped at public hospitals in KZN.
This is according to MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo who said despite major progress in improving oncology services in the province there continues to be reports of a ‘crisis’.
‘Firstly, this shortage of chemotherapy drugs is not our fault as a department and it is not unique to KZN.
‘It is a countrywide problem that is being attended to.’
He said all hospitals that render chemotherapy in KZN are providing the treatment.
‘The only challenge that exists concerns the Paclitaxel drug, as the contracted supplier is not able to supply it in keeping with the contract. There is currently no alternative supplier.
‘Not many suppliers are involved in the manufacturing of chemotherapy/cytotoxic agents. However, the National Department of Health is working on finding alternative suppliers for importing via a Section 21 Permit,’ Dhlomo said.
He said there are a number of medicines used in chemotherapy and the selection of what combination is used depends on the condition and dynamics of the patient.
‘And upon checking stock holding, we have discovered that no fewer than 29 different chemotherapy drugs are available.
‘So, there is no crisis regarding cancer treatment. We are in fact, gradually turning the situation around.’
The MEC once again applauded the interventions that have been made in providing services for cancer patients and reducing backlog at public hospitals.
This includes installation of seven fully functional linear accelerators, which is higher than in any other province in the country.
One of those machines is used in the private-public partnership for Queen Nandi and Ngwelezana Hospital complex.
The hospitals are in partnership with Richards Bay Medical Institute (RBMI) a subsidiary of Joint Medical Holdings (JMH) with the support of oncologist Prof Amo Jordaan.
‘There is no extended waiting time to see an oncologist at this complex,’ the MEC said.