The seriousness of the lack of health care is being experienced here in Aberdeen as it is throughout the Eastern Cape. Although no persons interviewed in Graaff-Reinet or Aberdeen in connection with health care wished to be quoted, it was very obvious that necessary health care services to the general public are in complete disarray!
Primary Health Care facilities are understaffed, the Aberdeen Clinic being a prime example and even trained nursing staff salaries are not in keeping with Government Hospitals. The Aberdeen Clinic building is not being maintained to an acceptable standard, as repair work is not being done, which is one of the many challenges the clinic faces. Staff shortage at the clinic is compromising the running of this health care unit to its full potential which does little to alleviate the other challenges or the standard of health here in Aberdeen. Posts should be advertised for qualified nursing staff with an adequate salary offered.
Lack of vital medication is prevalent, as there is a marked decrease in service delivery, especially medication needed to treat HIV & AIDS and TB. Medication shortage can lead to incomplete doses taken, and therefore a resistance being built up, or in some cases if there is not sufficient medication for the full course to be completed, the treatment is withheld. These are serious consequences to contemplate.
The Pharmaceutical Services in Port Elizabeth appears to be under enormous pressure, and have admitted that since 2009 stock availability has declined for numerous reasons. They have enormous staff shortages of pharmacists, organizational difficulties of major proportions, stock management systems are not in place, and challenges with lack of quantities of medication needed from government pharmaceutical tenders given, as these pharmaceutical companies are not coping with public demand, and there also appears to be a complete breakdown of any form of business organization within the Pharmaceutical Services. Their challenges, of which there are many, have consequently been passed down to all Primary Health Care Centers in the form of uncertain or no health care drug facilitation.
Patient care and service delivery has therefore been totally compromised. This is a major setback in many health issues. Due to no stock, or only part deliveries of supplies from depots, the non-availability of essential drugs with no substitutes available, has been the result for PHC.
It appears that “health” with all its requirements here in the Eastern Cape should be a number one priority for the Minister of Health. This unbelievably chaotic situation which is unfolding looks like a disaster waiting to happen.
Article By: Joan Tinker
Primary Health Care facilities are understaffed, the Aberdeen Clinic being a prime example and even trained nursing staff salaries are not in keeping with Government Hospitals. The Aberdeen Clinic building is not being maintained to an acceptable standard, as repair work is not being done, which is one of the many challenges the clinic faces. Staff shortage at the clinic is compromising the running of this health care unit to its full potential which does little to alleviate the other challenges or the standard of health here in Aberdeen. Posts should be advertised for qualified nursing staff with an adequate salary offered.
Lack of vital medication is prevalent, as there is a marked decrease in service delivery, especially medication needed to treat HIV & AIDS and TB. Medication shortage can lead to incomplete doses taken, and therefore a resistance being built up, or in some cases if there is not sufficient medication for the full course to be completed, the treatment is withheld. These are serious consequences to contemplate.
The Pharmaceutical Services in Port Elizabeth appears to be under enormous pressure, and have admitted that since 2009 stock availability has declined for numerous reasons. They have enormous staff shortages of pharmacists, organizational difficulties of major proportions, stock management systems are not in place, and challenges with lack of quantities of medication needed from government pharmaceutical tenders given, as these pharmaceutical companies are not coping with public demand, and there also appears to be a complete breakdown of any form of business organization within the Pharmaceutical Services. Their challenges, of which there are many, have consequently been passed down to all Primary Health Care Centers in the form of uncertain or no health care drug facilitation.
Patient care and service delivery has therefore been totally compromised. This is a major setback in many health issues. Due to no stock, or only part deliveries of supplies from depots, the non-availability of essential drugs with no substitutes available, has been the result for PHC.
It appears that “health” with all its requirements here in the Eastern Cape should be a number one priority for the Minister of Health. This unbelievably chaotic situation which is unfolding looks like a disaster waiting to happen.
Article By: Joan Tinker
