A former government employee from a municipal clinic in La Lucia, north of Durban, and at least one accomplice – who still works at the clinic – are allegedly selling antiretroviral drugs to the public, apparently raking in huge profits, reports Health-e News.
The pair is charging R2 000 for a year’s supply of the medication, according to one buyer, who previously had medical aid that covered the costs of his ARV treatment. When he was forced to cancel his membership after he could no longer afford the monthly premium, and uncomfortable with visiting a public clinic, he began purchasing ARVs in the private sector but found the cost unsustainable.
When he heard about a man selling ARVs at a lower price on the black market, he chose to buy from him. The medication apparently comes from the La Lucia clinic.
While 5.9m South Africans receive ARVs free from government facilities, it’s estimated that around 420 000 people received HIV care in the private sector in 2022, where the estimated cost of ARVs ranged from R230 to R747.
Department ‘will investigate’
Provincial Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane said the department was not aware of the theft of ARVs from the clinic, but added that an investigation would be carried out.
She said there had been similar reports of cough mixture and pain medication being stolen from government facilities and sold on the black market. However, the department has had little success in its investigations as those providing the tip-offs are often reluctant to provide detailed information.
Solly Nduku from SANAC’s Civil Society Forum said ARVs were also often stolen and then used to manufacture illegal drugs to be distributed to drug users.
“This is extremely dangerous considering that incorrect use of ARVs leads to drug resistance, and if users become HIV positive, it will be difficult to manage any infection in their bodies.”
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
Eastern Cape Health official arrested for ARV theft
EC hospital clerk arrested for allegedly stealing ARVs
Rampant stealing by officials will collapse SA’s health system — Heywood