NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 59
QUESTION 59 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, MRS A STEYN (DA) ASK THE
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:
1) Whether there is a shortage of vaccines as a result of manufacturing
difficulties experienced by Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP);
if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) vaccines
are in short supply and (b) are the further relevant details;
2) what measures have been put in place to ensure sustainable (a)
manufacturing and (b) supply of vaccines?               NW63E
REPLY
1. Yes, there has been a recent shortage (within the last month)Â of a few
freeze dried products but all other vaccines are available.
(a) Mainly the freeze dried viral vaccines.
(b) This is because the freeze driers are being repaired.
2. The National Treasury has allocated funds for modernizing and upgrading
the facility over the MTEF.
(a) An upgrade plan for a new Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliant
facility is in progress. The current facility is undergoing partial
renovation.Â
(b) New equipment has been procured and some were delivered already and
are awaiting installation. The freeze driers are being repaired.