Medicine Shortages Worsen in South Africa, One Year After Task Team Was Set Up
Published
Medicine shortages in South Africa are getting worse, according to the latest internal stock report from the Department of Health. The report suggests that new shortages are appearing faster than existing ones can be fixed. This news comes about a year after President Cyril Ramaphosa set up a task team to deal with the problem.
The report mentions several types of medicine that are in short supply. Amlodipine, a common medicine used to treat high blood pressure, is one of them. Medicines for diabetes are also affected. For many patients, these shortages can mean delays in getting their treatment or having to search for another pharmacy or clinic that has stock.
The task team was created to find solutions to the supply problems and to make sure that essential medicines reach public health facilities. However, the latest figures show that the situation has not improved as quickly as many people had hoped. The available information does not explain in full why the shortages are increasing, and it is not clear how quickly the government expects to solve the problem.
Patients who depend on chronic medicine are advised to speak to their doctor or pharmacist if their prescription is not available. Further updates from the Department of Health are expected as the task team continues its work.
Sources: News24
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