Source: Inkatha Freedom Party (Durban)
The South African HIV Clinicians Society reports that the current shortage of ARVs is forcing our doctors to share antiretroviral drugs among patients and sometimes prioritize patients who are at advanced stages of the disease over those who are stable. This puts those who are stable at greater risk of the virus advancing as they are not receiving regular medication.
This kind of crisis is greatly hindering our efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The Antiretroviral drugs are scheduled as priority medication yet our hospitals and clinics are running out of supply.
The IFP urges the Department of Health to attend to this crisis before it spirals out of control and unnecessarily places the lives of many citizens in jeopardy.