Follow-up of Limpopo stock issue Correspondence from the Chairman of the Limpopo branch of SAAHIP, Mr. Seepe Eric Mohale, to SAAHIP President, Ms. Thanushya Pillaye provides feedback on the issue of the stock-out situation experienced in the Limpopo Province that was reported on last week. Hi Thanushya Below is an update, emailed to our members after the meeting with the Department of health Limpopo yesterday 02 May 2012. The noises we made had an impact to expedite the process of change at the depot. The big achievement is that from now on the Department has formally recognised SAAHIP as part of the stakeholders. We are proud to announce that the Minister of Health agreed with the issues raised by SAAHIP Limpopo branch when we say all is not well in pharmaceutical services. He told the provincial administration earlier this week that funding of pharmaceuticals should be increased and improve governance in running the services. All Offices were represented including the MEC's office. Pharmacists are proud of SAAHIP Limpopo Branch Thanks [Seepe Eric Mohale] Original Message ---------------- Subject: Update from meeting LDOH management and stake holders From: "Nhlanhla" <ngmafarafara@gmail.com> Date: Thu, 3 May 2012 08:12:23 +0000 Revolutionary greetings Pharmacists The Pharmaceutical services has been under humongous threats since it's been surviving under life support over the past few months! These threats include among others; shortage of medicines and surgical items across all public facilities, the Government's take over of the pharmaceutical depot in Seshego, shortage of staff, Pharmacists having had to travel to the Depot to Pick, Pack, Load and Transport stock for their own hospitals, etc. In light of these issues, two letters have been issued from SAAHIP Limpopo to the HOD and to the MEC for health in February and April respectively seeking to address with intention to resolve the above stated challenges. After that pharmacists were called to a general meeting to deliberate on these issues in April of which, the meeting was very fruitful with the resolutions noted and well attended too! The Executive committee of SAAHIP Limpopo finally sat in a meeting on Wednesday , 02 May 2012 in Ladana EMS boardroom, with GM-HCSS, District Managers, Labour and other Organized labour representatives to respond to the letters sent from SAAHIP Limpopo on these issues affecting us as pharmacists, our patients and the overall pharmaceutical services in the province . The meeting gave birth to much exciting news for the pharmacists. It is with great joy to announce to you: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, OPHARSIN; the days of crying and toiling through the roads of dismay and uncertainty are almost if not completely, OVER! The following are the highlights of the meeting: Two private companies have been contracted to handle distribution of stock to hospitals and clinics through out the 5 districts and they are fully operational as of Monday, 30/04/2012. A few Pharmacists have been appointed to oversee the various activities and strategic or key departments and positions at the Depot. 60 Warehouse assistants, including pickers, packers, cleaners, admin clerks, etc. have been appointed and are expected to assume Duty over these 3 working days starting from 03/05/2012. The Bidding Committee has been restored to its traditional services to address shortages of medicines and surgical items and will work under the provincial CFO. This committee will also have extra delegates and is scheduled to meet more frequent than in the past. Issues relating to communications were addressed as well. We are also expecting to see the smooth running of the Depot much sooner! These achievements have been achieved under a very short period of time considering their magnitude and we are satisfied with the progress made thus far with regard to the pharmaceutical service delivery! However, the shortage of stock, still remains to be fully or successfully resolved with time, but very soon, under the operations of the newly appointed pharmacists and the Biding Committee! As SAAHIP Limpopo, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our members and other pharmacists who upheld the resolutions taken in the meeting held on April 20th and the continued support as such. The efforts made by SAAHIP in trying to alleviate or resolve these challenges are noted and as such we are proud to say; good progress have been made! Let us continue standing together in absolute solidarity towards the attainment of good end! Pharmacists Unite Regards, SAAHIP Limpopo Secretary Nhlanhla G. Mafarafara Cell: 0760235161/ 0827413913