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1 Jun 2012

Following discussions between the health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and Aspen Pharmacare Senior Executive Mr Stavros Nicolaou in Johannesburg, Aspen Pharmacare released 30 000 packs of Tenofovir (tdf) for the Limpopo depot earlier today. Further releases to this province are expected during the course of next week.

Aspen Pharmacare is one of the two companies supplying ARVs to government hospitals. Reports have recently suggested that there were shortages that were being encountered in the availability of ARVs.

In a media conference in Johannesburg yesterday, the health Minister dispelled these reports of complete unavailability of these drugs, indicating instead that there was a decline in stock-levels which did not necessarily translate in patients not getting their ARVs.

Health Minister has expressed his happiness at news that stock-levels in the Limpopo depot have been increased. "It’s an important development and it actually demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that at no point are our patients compromised. We are continuously monitoring the situation on a daily basis and I must commend Aspen for their quick response in dealing with the situation", said the health Minister.

For media enquiries please contact:
Fidel Hadebe
Department of Health
Cell: 079 517 3333

Stavros Nicolaou
Senior Excutive: Aspen Pharmacare
Cell: 082 458 3135

Issued by: Department of Health
1 Jun 2012

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