Shortages disrupt chronic treatments in South African hospitals
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on IOL
Illustrative image · Towfiqu barbhuiya · Pexels · Licence PexelsMedicine shortages in South African public facilities are forcing some patients with chronic illnesses to receive reduced quantities or substitute treatments. The South African Health Ministry acknowledges supply difficulties in some districts and is seeking alternative medicines, according to its spokesperson Foster Mohale.
South Africa’s Health Ministry acknowledges medicine supply constraints in some districts and public facilities, while the Western Cape reports rationing between patients and healthcare facilities. Medicines for hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes and psychiatric disorders are among those affected, according to IOL.
Ministry spokesperson Foster Mohale says replacement medicines are being sought and that some patients may temporarily be switched to treatments considered clinically appropriate. Shortages can lead to interruptions or reduced doses and, according to IOL, expose patients to serious consequences, including strokes or epileptic seizures.
The ministry attributes the difficulties to several factors, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and some local manufacturers’ failure to comply with the requirements of South Africa’s Health Products Regulatory Authority, SAHPRA. Edward Ngwenya, president of the South African Medical Association, points out that availability varies greatly between facilities and provinces.
The shortages are part of a series of medicine supply difficulties in South Africa. On 31 October, the country was already seeking alternative medicines amid shortages. On 20 October, a Durban clinic lacked HIV and tuberculosis medicines.
