Question NW2111 to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

Reply:

(1)(a) What is the level of medical stock in the pharmacy at 1 Military Hospital,

Pharmaceuticals and medical consumables for emergencies and life-threatening situations are fully stocked and available at 1 Military Hospital. The medical stock levels at the 1 Military Hospital pharmacy stands at 75%. The stock levels should improve to 85% by the first week in July when more deliveries of stock are expected. Some challenges are experienced with the suppliers of pharmaceuticals at a national level.

(b) Why has this very important indicator been removed by her department and

The performance indicator that refers to the stock levels of pharmaceuticals and medical consumables has not been removed by the department. A decision was made to register the performance indicator as classified as stock levels are regarded as sensitive strategic information.

(c) What is the direct impact of the medical stock level on soldiers and military veterans?

The impact of medical stock levels is minimised by alternative arrangements such as the buying-out of medication that is not available in the SA Military Health Service. There is thus no direct impact on soldiers and military veterans, except the increased cost to the Department of Defence of the buy-out from private pharmacies.