Contraceptive Shortage Leaves Gauteng Women in Need

Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has confirmed a shortage of contraceptives in the region, as revealed in response to queries by the DA’s Jack Bloom during a Gauteng legislature session. The shortage occurred between January and March of this year as reported by Jacarandafm.

The department had ordered 31,000 subdermal implants known as Subdermal Implanon, which are small plastic rods inserted under the skin to prevent pregnancy for three years. However, only 2,000 implants were received from the supplier, causing a significant shortfall.

According to Health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba, all provinces receive supplies from the same supplier. The supplier failed to meet the demand and had only delivered 7,000 implants by last week. It is important to note that there have been no reported shortages of other contraceptives.

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Modiba further mentioned that the department regularly monitors stock levels every month to ensure appropriate stock levels are maintained, both minimum and maximum.

Jack Bloom criticised the department, stating that they should have been able to detect shortages of essential items and explore alternative suppliers. He expressed concern for the thousands of women in Gauteng who could not access their preferred long-term contraceptive method due to the supplier’s failure.

Earlier this year, the department faced a shortage of male and female condoms due to ongoing supply issues related to a national contract. The recent contraceptive shortage adds to the challenges faced by the department in ensuring reliable and accessible reproductive health services.

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