The Western Cape Government has raised its concern over ongoing medicine supply challenges that are jeopardising the health of many residents, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The provincial Department of Health and Wellness acknowledges the critical need for reliable access to medications, particularly for those managing chronic conditions who depend on daily treatments.
In light of this ongoing crisis, Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, has called for immediate national action.
Reports surfaced last week indicating that patients reliant on public healthcare facilities in the province face mounting uncertainty over essential chronic medications. Many individuals returned from medicine collection points empty-handed, heightening fears and frustrations over their health management.
Experts indicate that the current medicine availability crisis in South Africa is a result of several factors impacting the national pharmaceutical supply chain.
These challenges range from manufacturing and regulatory bottlenecks to supplier constraints, import delays, customs issues, and the sluggish testing and release process for certain medicines. Notably, Wenger first expressed her concerns regarding medication stock-outs on 2 June 2026, preceding the National Health Council (NHC) meeting held on 11 June, where the matter was officially discussed.
Since then, the supply constraints have persisted unabated, affecting patients and healthcare services across the region. In September, Wenger took the significant step of writing to the national Health Minister, Dr Motsoaledi, urging for coordinated national action and strict timelines for interventions aimed at alleviating the situation.
‘Medicine supply constraints are a country-wide challenge and require a coordinated national response,’ Wenger asserted. ‘Our patients deserve access to the medications that they need, and it is our responsibility to find and implement solutions to unblock and mitigate these challenges,’
As part of the response effort, the NHC recognised the urgent need for improved national coordination and monitoring of medicine availability, facilitating better support for provinces facing shortages.
Wenger emphasised that coordinated monitoring across provinces would provide crucial insight into the challenges, allowing for the early identification of shortages, improved planning, and stock redistribution where necessary.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is undertaking several initiatives to safeguard patient access to medications. This includes weekly monitoring at the Cape Medical Depot to report stock levels and supplier performance to the national government.
In instances where supplies are lacking, stock from other facilities is redistributed, and alternative sourcing is pursued whenever possible.
In cases where prescribed medicines are unavailable, pharmacists and clinicians are collaborating to offer clinically suitable alternative strengths, pack sizes, formulations, or therapeutic substitutes. Additionally, limited stock may be shared equitably or dispensed in smaller quantities as new supplies are secured. Temporary imports are also supported when necessary.
Wenger reassured patients that healthcare workers and pharmacists are diligently working to maintain continuity of care in the face of these widespread supply challenges. ‘Patients are encouraged to ask questions if their medicine looks different, if their treatment has changed, or if their usual medicine is unavailable,’ she advised.
‘They should continue to collect their medication and not alter their treatment regimen without first consulting a healthcare professional. Our teams will provide clinically appropriate alternatives as needed,’
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also read:
Western Cape patients face chronic medication shortages as concerns grow
Picture: WCG / Supplied
