DA Calls for Parliamentary Probe as Chronic Medicine Shortages Hit Public Clinics

Published 2026-10-27

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for a investigation by Parliament into a serious shortage of chronic medicines in South Africa's public healthcare system. A stock-out happens when a clinic or hospital runs out of a medicine and cannot supply it to patients. According to the party, as many as 50 critical medicines are currently affected.

Chronic medicines are used to treat long-term illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and HIV. Patients who depend on these medicines need regular supplies, so shortages can cause serious health risks. The DA says that people who rely on public clinics are most affected, because many cannot afford to buy medicines from private pharmacies.

The party wants Parliament to look closely at why the shortages are happening and who is responsible for managing medicine supplies. It is asking for answers on how the problem will be solved and how quickly patients can expect the stock to return. At the time of writing, the national Department of Health had not yet given a detailed public response to the DA's request.

The call for a probe comes at a time when public health services continue to face pressure from budget limits and supply problems. Parliament will now decide whether to start an inquiry into the matter.

Sources: Democratic Alliance

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