An investigation has been launched into major stock shortages at Uitenhage Hospital, with questions being asked about why the problem was not flagged earlier, reports The Herald.
In response to a parliamentary question from EFF MP Noluvuyo Tafeni, who also asked who was responsible for ensuring essential items remained in stock, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said an inquiry would be initiated to determine why early warning systems failed to prevent the shortages.
Motsoaledi said multiple levels of management are accountable for stock control, but that the CEO had been placed on precautionary transfer while the various allegations were being investigated, including the shortages.
“Uitenhage Hospital has had intermittent shortages of some items, including certain medicines, abdominal swabs, Plaster of Paris, sanitary towels, gloves and masks,” he revealed.
“The measures taken by the Eastern Cape Department of Health to address medicine stockouts include providing alternatives as substitutes…to ensure continuity.”
Public facilities rely on the digital Rx Solution System monitors stock and triggers early warnings whenever levels drop below the threshold, he added.
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