Circular 06 May 2024: Availability of Insulin Pen Sets
Circular: Availability of Insulin Pen Sets The National Department of Health (NDoH) is committed to ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for diabetic patients through ensuring the availability of safe, effective, and cost-effective medicines, in the appropriate dosage form at the appropriate level of care. In line with this commitment, the recent tender HP06-2024SVP, advertised on 15 J
Circular: Availability of Insulin Pen Sets
The National Department of Health (NDoH) is committed to ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for diabetic patients through ensuring the availability of safe, effective, and cost-effective medicines, in the appropriate dosage form at the appropriate level of care.
In line with this commitment, the recent tender HP06-2024SVP, advertised on 15 June 2023 and awarded in January 2024, aimed to secure a comprehensive range of insulin formulations aligned with the Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG) and the Essential Medicines List (EML). Responsive bids were only received for specific insulin presentations, notably vials of isophane insulin, soluble insulin, biphasic insulin, and analogue insulin pen sets. The HP06-2024SVP contract started 1 May 2024.
To address this shortfall of biphasic, short- and long-acting human insulin pen sets, a supplementary tender was advertised in March 2024. The bid evaluation process of the supplementary tender is currently underway. In the interim, the department is obtaining quotations to address any supply constraints. It is, however, important to highlight the global shortage of insulin pen sets, which is likely due to an increased demand of more profitable products requiring similar production needs as insulin pen set, and manufacturers prioritising this production.
During the expected period of supply constraints with insulin pen sets, the NDoH recommends that healthcare workers prioritise the available supply of insulin pen sets to the elderly, visually impaired individuals, and young children. Where insulin vials are prescribed and dispensed, enhanced counselling and adherence monitoring is required to ensure appropriate administration and use.
The NDoH will provide updates to healthcare professionals and stakeholders as further information becomes available.
We appreciate your ongoing dedication and collaboration in delivering optimal healthcare services to our diabetic population. Together, we can overcome supply challenges and continue to uphold our commitment to providing quality care for all.
Provinces and healthcare facilities are requested to distribute and communicate this information in consultation with the Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committees. Kindly share this with all healthcare professionals and relevant stakeholders.
Thank you for your attention and cooperation.
Enquiries
Contact: Ms Marione Schönfeldt
Email: marione.schonfeldt@health.gov.za
Stock queries
Contact: Ms Babalwa Melitafa
E-mail: Babalwa.Melitafa@health.gov.za
Clinical queries
Contact: Essential Drugs Programme
E-mail: SAEDP@health.gov.za
National Department of Health_Circular_Availability of insulin pen sets_06 May 2024