Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
17 February 2025 | 08:25 CAT

ActionSA KZN Slams Ongoing Medicine Shortages in Public Hospitals. (Image – Future media News)

ActionSA in KwaZulu-Natal has called for the resignation of the province’s Health MEC, Nomagugu Simelane Ngadi, amid allegations of widespread medication shortages in provincial healthcare facilities. The party argues that the MEC has misled the public by denying the crisis, despite mounting evidence from hospitals and clinics.

Zwakele Mncwango, chairperson of ActionSA in KZN, has been vocal about the issue, revealing that complaints initially surfaced in Kwanongoma before spreading across the province. “At first, I thought this was an isolated issue, but as I conducted further research, I found that medication shortages are affecting facilities throughout KZN,” Mncwango told Radio Islam International.

According to Mncwango, over 50 healthcare facilities have been identified as struggling with a lack of essential medication. He formally wrote to the MEC on 2 February, seeking clarity on the matter. Instead of a direct response, Simelane Ngadi dismissed the concerns on social media, labeling them as “fake news.”

Despite the denial, public outcry continued, with patients and healthcare workers detailing the dire situation at various institutions. Chronic disease sufferers, particularly those needing TB and blood pressure medication, have been hit the hardest. “Women can’t even get pregnancy tests at some hospitals. Some clinics don’t even have drips available for emergency cases. The situation is catastrophic,” Mncwango explained.

On 10 February, after being repeatedly pressed for answers, Mncwango escalated the matter to the KZN Premier, calling for immediate intervention. “Government must be honest. If there’s a budget issue, it needs to be acknowledged so that the National Treasury can assist. Denial only worsens the crisis,” he said.

A turning point came on 11 February when the MEC finally admitted that budget constraints were affecting medicine procurement. However, Action SA insists that this admission came too late, after weeks of denials. “She misled the nation. Health is a human right, and failing to provide essential medication is a direct violation of that right,” Mncwango argued.

The crisis has raised questions about the provincial government’s transparency and oversight mechanisms. Mncwango criticized the lack of action from other political parties, accusing them of failing to hold the MEC accountable. “Even the DA-led health portfolio committee initially denied the crisis, only to later acknowledge budget issues. There’s too much political posturing while lives are at stake.”

With over 10 million people relying on KZN’s public healthcare system, the stakes are high. “If government won’t save them, who will?” Mncwango asked. Meanwhile, the Premier remains silent, with no official statement on the crisis. The pressure is mounting, and all eyes are on the provincial leadership to act before the situation worsens.

Listen to the full interview with Annisa Essack and Zwakele Mncwango, chairperson of ActionSA in KZN, on The Daily Round-Up.