Medicine shortages Botha’s fault, says ANC

Michelle Avenant

13 July 2012

The ANC in the Western Cape has accused health MEC Theuns Botha of avoiding full responsibility for the medicine-dispensing chaos in the province.

Thousands of patients’ lives are at stake due to shortages and irregular availability of lifesaving chronic medication, including Cancer and diabetes medication.

“The health of our people is precious and important”, says ANC Western Cape secretary Mcebisi Skwatsha. “The ANC warned the MEC earlier this year about the importance of making sure that chronic medication is available at all times”.

Botha’s spokesperson Helene Rossouw claims that the shortages originate at a national level, and that alternative medication is being provided.