CANCER DRUG SHORTAGE CONTINUES IN GAUTENG

I am distressed by yet another report of a cancer drug shortage at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital.

This time it is a shortage of Irinotecan, a life-prolonging cancer drug.

Earlier this year, there were shortages of the Oxaliplatin and Gemzar chemotherapy drugs.

The Gauteng Health Department has been giving unsatisfactory answers as to why they are running out of certain anti-cancer drugs.

They blame suppliers, but it appears that it actually a non-payment issue.

We need to know the truth, because there is little room for error in treating cancer.

Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, July 29 2014

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter