DRUGS SUPPLY RUNS DRY

MATSAPHA – Patients seeking certain medication which include ARVs and antibiotics among a lot others, should be prepared for tough times as Swazipharm has since cut supplies due to financial challenges.

As it stands, members of the public who are living with HIV or suffering from cancer, could find themselves in a predicament as there is currently minimum medication left in stock in local pharmacies, clinics and also hospitals.

As it is, most hospitals, clinics and most pharmacies all over the country are faced with the shortage of critical care drugs.
Swazipharm, which is situated at the Industrial Sites in Matsapha, issued a letter of apology dated June 28, 2018, to all its clients. They first thanked clients for the continued support even during the company’s difficult times.

The letter written by Swazipharm Operations Director Craig Naidoo, stated that due to non-payment by government, which is the Ministry of Health (MoH), they were unable to replenish their stocks to service clients.

“Our valued customers, we do understand that most medical facilities rely heavily on Swazipharm for medical and pharmaceutical stock items.”
“Hence we would like to apologise on the out of stock and limited stock availability. We can confirm that Swazipharm directors are currently liaising with the Ministry of Health for payment to be released in the next week,” the apology letter stated.

It further assured clients that the company would be trading normally with full stocks availability within the next two weeks.
“In the interim, we can supply generics that are available at Swazipharm for the private market. Kindly speak to one of the telesales representatives for more information.
“We hope you will understand our situation and kindly cooperate with us,” the letter also states.
Most pharmacies and hospitals revealed that they feared that the issues would not be sorted anytime soon and patients seeking such services would be greatly affected.
Swazipharm Sales and Marketing Manager, Cindy Stankoczi, who confirmed that they had cut the supply of drugs to local health institutions, said they serviced both the private and State-owned facilities.
She mentioned that the company was going through financial challenges, which affected pharmacies, clinics and also some hospitals.
“We are struggling to service our clients and the supply of medication has been officially put on hold. This has resulted in a public outcry and we would like to apologise to our clients on the current situation.
“We are still trading, however, with specific products so to sustain the market,” Stankoczi said.
 Ministry of Health Director, Dr Vusi Magagula, who did not confirm or deny that his ministry owed the company, refused to comment and said he was not in a position to do so as it was a sensitive and private matter between the company and the finance department.

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