Health department monitoring ARV availability
The health department is closely monitoring a shortage in a second line ARV regimen.
A global shortage of lamivudine which has affected the availability of medication used to treat HIV infection.
According to the department, only 6% of patients are on the 2nd line treatment.
The department’s director-general Dr Anban Pillay says measures have been put in place until full supply has been restored.
“These measures include, firstly, the redistribution of stock between facilities so there is no stock piling in any facility so that all patients receive treatment.
“Secondly, patients should be dispensed a lower quantity of stock than usual which may include issuing a month’s supply instead of the standard two- or three-month supply,” he says.
Although the department says it has not come to point where there is an ARV shortage, there are measures in place to curb any possible shortage.