There is a shocking shortage of bandages and other basic medical items for Ekurhuleni ambulances, which forces paramedics to ration what is available, borrow from elsewhere, or even buy from their own pockets.<\/p>\n
This is according to Jack Bloom, MPL DA Gauteng shadow Health MEC, after he visited the Palm Ridge Fire Station, last Tuesday.<\/p>
\u201cThere is a shortage of bandages, oxygen masks, gauze, linen savers, syringes, intravenous needles, space blankets, alcohol swabs and nebulisers,\u201d Bloom said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe storeroom is short of other items as well, with lots of empty shelves.\u201d<\/p>
Bloom added that medical consumables are ordered from the Gauteng Health Department, but supplies have been erratic and grossly inadequate for about a year.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt appears that the problem is due to the non-payment of suppliers,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese shortages affect ambulances all over Ekurhuleni and in other parts of Gauteng, as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have alerted Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu about this unacceptable situation, which endangers the lives of patients.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope she takes quick action to ensure adequate supplies for all emergency ambulances in Gauteng.\u201d<\/p>\n
The GCN approached the metro for comment on the matter.<\/p>\n
Themba Gadebe, the spokesman for the metro, said: \u201cIn the midst of the low levels of basic medical supplies, we are pleased that service delivery has not been compromised.<\/p>\n
\u201cMore importantly, lifesaving equipment is still sufficient in the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is not true that our emergency personnel buy any medical consumables from their own pockets.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn fact, we have been receiving some basic medical supplies from other districts that have a surplus, in order to continue to provide emergency services.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are aware that the Gauteng EMS is at an advanced stage in terms of procurement to restore the situation to normal.\u201d<\/p>\n