Medicine Shortages in South Africa Get Worse, Despite Government Action

Published 2026-10-26

A year after President Cyril Ramaphosa stepped in to address the problem, medicine shortages in South Africa are getting worse, according to the latest internal stock report from the Department of Health. The report shows that shortages are growing faster than they can be fixed.

The report names several medicines that are in short supply, including amlodipine, a common medicine used to treat high blood pressure, and medicines for diabetes. These are long-term conditions, and many patients depend on a steady supply of their treatment every month. When pharmacies and clinics run out, patients may have to wait, travel further, or pay more for alternatives.

The situation shows how difficult it is to keep public health services stocked with essential medicines. Shortages can have many causes, including problems with supply chains, delays in ordering, and challenges in buying medicines in large quantities. The Department of Health has not yet given a full public explanation of how it plans to close the gap between demand and supply.

For South African patients, the main concern is whether they will be able to get the medicines they need when they need them. Patients who are worried about a shortage are advised to speak to their doctor or pharmacist, who may be able to suggest a suitable alternative. The latest report suggests that the problem is not yet solved, and further updates from the government will be important for people who rely on public health care.

Sources: News24

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