Antipsychotic drugs back in stock
23 September 2020 | Health
TUYEIMO HAIDULA
OSHAKATI
After being out of stock for six months, the country has finally received antipsychotic and antidepressant medication.
Oshakati State Hospital pharmacist Erraso Afeta Wakjira yesterday confirmed that most antipsychotic medicines arrived at Central Medical Store and have been distributed to hospitals.
Two weeks ago, Namibian Sun reported about a countrywide shortage of the drugs, and while patients in the past turned to private pharmacies, they had also been feeling the pinch.
The shortage resulted in panic amongst some families, especially those unable to afford alternatives sold at private pharmacies.
The medicines included the first generation of all oral antipsychotic medication excluding clozapine, which is a third line treatment.
Lockdown impact
At the time, health minister Kalumbi Shangula confirmed the shortage, explaining that most medicine deliveries, inclusive of the antipsychotics, had been affected by the Covid-19 lockdown measures.
Meanwhile, Dr Benonia Sheetekela at Oshakati psychiatric department warned against stigmatising mental health patients and advised families to ensure their loved ones adhere to taking their medication.
[email protected]
OSHAKATI
After being out of stock for six months, the country has finally received antipsychotic and antidepressant medication.
Oshakati State Hospital pharmacist Erraso Afeta Wakjira yesterday confirmed that most antipsychotic medicines arrived at Central Medical Store and have been distributed to hospitals.
Two weeks ago, Namibian Sun reported about a countrywide shortage of the drugs, and while patients in the past turned to private pharmacies, they had also been feeling the pinch.
The shortage resulted in panic amongst some families, especially those unable to afford alternatives sold at private pharmacies.
The medicines included the first generation of all oral antipsychotic medication excluding clozapine, which is a third line treatment.
Lockdown impact
At the time, health minister Kalumbi Shangula confirmed the shortage, explaining that most medicine deliveries, inclusive of the antipsychotics, had been affected by the Covid-19 lockdown measures.
Meanwhile, Dr Benonia Sheetekela at Oshakati psychiatric department warned against stigmatising mental health patients and advised families to ensure their loved ones adhere to taking their medication.
[email protected]
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