KZN Health Dept admits some patients being turned away without meds, denies that there's a shortage

DURBAN - The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has admitted that some patients were being turned away without medication at some of the province's health facilities.

There are claims that some hospitals and clinics are experiencing a shortage of medication.

While the department maintains that it has enough stock, it said that in the absence of some medicines, alternatives were being provided.

MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Mngadi said they were aware of the problem.  

"It has come to our attention, however, that in some of our facilities, for reasons that are unknown to us right now, when patients come in, they are told that there is no medication and some of them are turned back. Now, that’s something we can’t run away from, and we’ve got information that it has been happening."

She has urged patients to report to the department whenever they are not assisted.

"If you get to a facility and you are told there’s no medication and you’re not given an alternative, please call us because we will be able to address the matter. But I want to assure the people of KwaZulu-Natal that we do not have a medication shortage."