The Limpopo health department says the shortage of antiretroviral medicine in Vuwani clinics is related to a national supply problem rather than violence in the area.

Since the start of demarcation protests in the Vuwani area of Vhembe, residents especially in the Mashau village, have reported that they have been unable to receive their ARVs. Clinic staff told them that they had not received stock due to the protests in the area, as all the roads were barricaded.

However, Thabiso Teffo, spokesperson for Limpopo Health MEC Dr Phopi Ramathuba, said this was not true. “I can confirm with you that no shortage of medicine, namely ARVs, was reported due to the unrest in the area,” said Teffo.

“The only challenge which we are having is the shortage of the Lamivudine 300mg, but it is not caused by the protests in area; it is a national problem which we are currently experiencing at the moment.

“Even though we are currently experiencing shortages when it comes to the supply of Lamivudine, we are currently prescribing a combination of Tenovir and Lamivudine to all our patients,” he added

“I can assure you that all our facilities have the fixed-dose combination ARVs,” said, Teffo. Over 85% of patients are on FDC ARVs.

Over the past months, the Mashau clinic has come under attack from the local residents for poor service delivery, shortage of ambulances and medications.

Teffo said that the department is investigating the matter: “We are currently investigating all the claims which had been brought to our attention, because as a department we value the health of all our people who receive their medications at all our facilities,” he said.

Earlier attempts to get comment from Limpopo health department spokesperson Derick Kganyago failed.