NCOP
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO. 635
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 November 2011
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 39)
Mr D A Worth (DA-FS) to ask the Minister of Health:
(1) Whether he has been informed of the recurring shortages of certain
pain killers (name furnished) at public hospitals and clinics in the
Free State; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what
are the (a) reasons for the shortages and (b) further relevant
details;
(2) whether he will launch an investigation into the recurring shortages
of the pain killers; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant
details;
(3) whether he will take any steps to address the issue; if not, why not;
if so, what steps?
CW780E
REPLY:
According to the Free State Provincial Department of Health,
(1) No.
(a) Only one pack size of paracetamol tablets 10âs was out of stock
due to suppliers being unable to supply.
(b) Paracetamol tablets in pack sizes of 100âs, 1000âs, and 5000âs
as well as paracetamol syrup 50ml, 100ml and 500ml were always
available.
(2) No. The Province put contingency plans in place to address shortages.
(3) No. The matter has been addressed by the Province and there is
currently adequate stock available to suffice the demand.
END.