WeeklySA_AdminSHORTAGES: Women in North West and Gauteng say persistent shortages of contraceptive pills, injections and implants at public clinics are forcing them to switch methods, endure side effects, or risk unwanted pregnancies…
By Keletso Mkhwanazi
Women in North West and Gauteng are raising concerns over ongoing shortages of contraceptives at public health facilities, with some fearing unplanned pregnancies and others forced to switch to less suitable alternatives.
Audrey Mosanya of Motlhabeng Village in Mahikeng says she was turned away from Unit 9 Clinic last week after staff informed her that the oral contraceptive pill she relies on was out of stock.
“I am really worried. I’m not ready to fall pregnant and I can’t afford another child,” said Mosanya, who has used the pill since the birth of her son in 2016. Neo Taje from Setlopo, who receives the Nur-Isterate contraceptive injection every two months, is anxious about whether she will receive her next dose due at the end of June.
“When I heard about the shortages, I called the clinic. They told me they had very limited stock and had not received new supplies,” she said. “If it’s not available, I will rather abstain.” The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) in North West has condemned the shortages, blaming supplier payment delays and poor planning.
“The shortage of contraceptives and other medications is very dangerous. It poses health risks, increases the burden of disease and leads to higher pregnancy rates,” said provincial secretary Reuben Molete. The North West Department of Health has acknowledged intermittent shortages of some contraceptives, including oral pills and sub-dermal implants. Spokesperson Tshegofatso Mothibedi said the department is redistributing stock where possible, engaging suppliers to expedite deliveries and identifying suitable alternatives for patients.
Similar complaints have emerged in Gauteng, where women report shortages of injectables and implants. Lerato Molokomme from Soshanguve said she was forced to switch from her preferred contraceptive implant to the Depo injection after her local clinic ran out of stock earlier this year.
“Depo has bad side effects on me. Normally my period lasts three days, but with the injection it can last a week,” she said. When she returned to the clinic in May, the implant was still unavailable. “I’m unemployed. I cannot afford to pay R200 at a private doctor. I’d rather bleed than be pregnant,” she said. Another Soshanguve resident, Tsholo Mohalane, said her clinic had run out of pregnancy tests required before women can begin certain contraceptive methods, adding to concerns about access to reproductive healthcare.
Health advocates warn that prolonged contraceptive shortages could undermine family planning efforts and place additional pressure on women who depend on public healthcare services. – Health-e News
