Patients at Port Elizabeth Provincial Hospital in Nelson Mandela Bay are facing renewed shortages of essential chemotherapy drugs, leaving pediatric oncology cases vulnerable. The Eastern Cape Department of Health attributes the issue to a suspended account with a key supplier, with negotiations ongoing to restore supply. This marks the third major stockout this year, highlighting persistent procurement challenges.
The crisis at Port Elizabeth Provincial Hospital escalated after the Eastern Cape Department of Health's account with a crucial chemotherapy provider was suspended, leading to stockouts of vital medications. These include Methotrexate, Folinic Acid (Folinate), and Polygam, an immune-boosting product essential for many pediatric oncology patients and those with autoimmune diseases. Sources at the metro's public hospitals confirmed the shortages, which persisted for several days until a new batch of one drug was expected on Thursday.
Eastern Cape Department of Health communications director Siyanda Manana acknowledged the stockout, stating: “Two key processes have been implemented to prevent stockouts of oncology medicines, which include the weekly monitoring and reporting.” He noted that oncology medicines are monitored weekly, with shortages addressed through interfacility stock transfers. Manana added that Methotrexate was available at the provincial depot in Nelson Mandela Bay, and Folinic Acid would be delivered on Thursday. However, Polygam has faced inconsistent supply since 2024 due to supplier challenges and the account suspension. “Accounts are reopened through ongoing negotiations to allow delivery. The supplier currently has stock available, pending account reopening,” he said, without specifying a timeline.
This is not an isolated incident. Similar shortages occurred in January, when patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other cancers received less efficient alternative chemotherapy, impacting eligibility for bone marrow transplants. In May, an extensive stockout lasted into June, causing five children to miss a full treatment cycle. On 21 May, doctors reported 11 types of chemotherapy unavailable, four due to closed accounts as suppliers demanded payment on overdue bills. Earlier that year, Carboplatin was out of stock and sourced elsewhere.
A 2024 study on barriers to pediatric cancer care in South Africa identified medicine shortages as a major issue, alongside procurement delays and inadequate distribution. Researchers quoted healthcare providers expressing frustration: “Participants speculated that not all members are aware that medicines on the National Essential Medicines List should always be available. Additionally, communication with the provincial medicine depot can be arduous, causing delays in procurement.” The South African Human Rights Commission launched an investigation in January following a Democratic Alliance complaint.