Gauteng women who prefer long-acting contraceptives are at risk of falling pregnant as the province has reported a shortage of implants. The department required 31 000 devices and the supplier only delivered 2000 Subdermal Implanon. Subdermal Implanon is a small plastic rod inserted under the skin that releases a synthetic hormone that prevents pregnancy over a 3-year period.

THE SUPPLIER FAILED TO DELIVER

This was revealed by Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko in a written reply to DA's Jack Bloom's questions in the Gauteng Legislature. According to the MEC, only 2000 Subdermal Implanon devices were received from orders totalling 31 000 in January, February, and March 2023. " The shortage was because the supplier failed to meet the demand for Subdermal implanon and patients received information and were counselled on alternative contraceptive methods," said Nkomo-Ralehoko. 

TABLETS AND INJECTABLE CONTRACEPTIVES ARE AVAILABLE

Nkomo-Ralehoko said no other shortages of contraceptive tablets and injections were experienced since January last year, and there are no current shortages of any type of contraceptive except for condoms and implants. "It is unfortunate that a supplier failure prevented thousands of women from using their preferred long-range contraceptive method. This follows the drastic shortage of male and female condoms because of long-running supply problems with a national contract," she added.