WC govt working to safeguard healthcare after US aid cuts
The provincial government said it has lost R360 million in healthcare funding from the United States Agency for International Development.
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CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape government says it's working around the clock to safeguard healthcare in the province after the US cut funding for HIV programs in South Africa.
The provincial government said it has lost R360 million in healthcare funding from the United States Agency for International Development.
It said nearly 700 jobs that were directly supported by USAID are under threat across 10 Western Cape non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
READ: Health Dept proactively addressing US govt's stoppage of HIV/AIDS, TB treatment funding
Provincial Health and Wellness MEC, Mireille Wenger said she welcomes the national department’s commitment to assisting the province in fast-tracking the digitisation of records and prescriptions.
She said this includes the rollout of multi-month prescriptions, which will ensure stable patients on chronic medication can access their medication conveniently and reduce demand on already pressured clinics.
"We recognise the pressure that this loss of funding puts on our healthcare system. But I'd like to assure our residence that we are taking urgent action to mitigate the impact. We are fast-tracking digital prescriptions, expanding multi-month medication dispensing, and ensuring that ART remains available."