Health MEC steps in again to save sick girl

HEALTH MEC Pumza Dyantyi has once again stepped in to compel the Eastern Cape Department of Health to provide the lifesaving medicine needed by a five-yearold Port Elizabeth girl.

Last month, the Eastern Cape Department of Health stopped paying for Alrene Scheepers’s medication and no new medication was ordered for her.

Alrene, from Vastrap, has Gaucher’s disease. Her body is missing certain enzymes and cannot break down cellular material for re-use.

There is no cure, but doctors can treat her effectively with an enzyme replacement therapy costing about R48 000 a dose. She must receive this every two weeks.

Alrene’s dad, Alfonso, said yesterday that Dyantyi had assured them the medicine had been ordered and there would be no more problems.

Health spokesman

Siyanda Manana said Dyantyi was happy that Alrene would be getting her treatment.

He said Dyantyi would visit Alrene the next time that she was in Port Elizabeth.

After an agonising 18-month fight with hospital officials by her parents, Dyantyi promised in June she would ensure that Alrene received her medication.

The department agreed to pay for the medication until May, when a medical aid, sponsored by a benefactor, would kick in.