The Democratic Alliance (DA) has expressed serious concern over the shortage of up to fifty critical medications within South Africa's public healthcare system. The party warns that patients may face adverse reactions to substitute drugs or cease treatment altogether.
The DA insists that the parliamentary Health Committee investigate the causes and scale of these shortages, as well as examine the measures being taken to protect patients.
DA's health representative, Michelle Clark, stated that she has requested a special committee meeting and demanded the attendance of Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi, the Department of Health, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), the company Pharmaceuticals Made In South Africa (Pharmisa), and the South African Pharmaceutical College before this committee.
The list of drugs highlighted by the DA includes amlodipine, used for controlling high blood pressure and preventing angina; rosuvastatin, used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes; and metformin for managing type 2 diabetes.
The list also included olanzapine, intended for treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, especially manic episodes; pregabalin, used in the treatment of nerve pain, seizures, and anxiety disorders; and mebendazole, which combats intestinal helminths.
Clark warned that patients could be at risk if they have to switch to alternative medications. She emphasized: 'There is a significant risk that some patients may experience adverse reactions to substitute medicines, and the overall risk that deeply concerns the DA is that some patients might fear substitute drugs or become confused by them and subsequently stop treatment.'
Disruptions in medicine supply have also been reported in the provinces of Gauteng and the Western Cape. In Gauteng, the shortage in public hospitals and clinics is linked to supplier delays, procurement timelines, changes in drug contracts, and general pressure on supply chains. The provincial department of health reported that it is moving existing stocks between facilities, purchasing medicines from alternative approved suppliers, and providing clinically appropriate substitutes where necessary.
In the Western Cape, provincial health authorities have called for national intervention due to persistent medicine shortages. Stated problems include production and regulatory complexities, import and customs delays, as well as delays in drug testing and release.
The DA reported receiving information that some local pharmaceutical manufacturers are blaming new SAHPRA regulations and the Single Exit Price (SEP) for the decline in local production. Clark stated: 'The DA has reports that some local drug manufacturers blame new SAHPRA regulations and the Single Exit Price (SEP) for the decline in the local pharmaceutical industry, which affects medicine availability. Parliament must investigate this so we can end the medicine shortage.'
The SEP is a regulated price at which manufacturers and importers sell medicines in the private sector of South Africa; however, it does not apply to medicines supplied to the state.
The DA demands that the Health Committee receive a comprehensive briefing on the causes of the shortage, its impact on patients, the list of unavailable medicines, and the measures implemented to mitigate health risks. Clark concluded: 'The DA believes that South Africans who rely on the public health system for critical and chronic medications should be able to count on it without exception.'
