Due to the scarcity of essential medicines, the South African Health Department is actively searching for and procuring alternative medications.
Forster Mohale, a representative of the National Department of Health, informed the publication IOL that the current supply issues are caused by several factors. These include geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, as well as instances of local manufacturers failing to comply with regulatory requirements set by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).
Mohale specified that the department is working closely with suppliers and purchasing alternative drugs from other sources to minimize the negative impact on patients. He added that until the supply problems are resolved, some patients may be temporarily prescribed clinically appropriate alternatives for treating the same diseases.
The department will continue to monitor the situation closely and cooperate with all stakeholders to restore normal supply levels as soon as possible.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has also expressed serious concern over the shortage of up to fifty critical medicines. The party warned that patients might experience adverse reactions to substitute drugs or cease treatment altogether.
The DA strongly urged the parliamentary Health Committee to investigate the causes and scale of the shortage, as well as the measures being taken to protect patients. DA's health representative, Michelle Clark, stated that she has requested a special committee meeting and insists that the Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi, the Department of Health, SAHPRA, Pharmisa, and the South African Pharmaceutical College appear before it.
Clark emphasized the potential risks to patients when switching to alternative medications. She noted that there is a significant risk of adverse reactions to substitute drugs, as well as an overall risk that greatly concerns the DA: patients might become frightened or confused due to the substitution and consequently stop treatment.
Among the listed medications are amlodipine, used to control high blood pressure and prevent angina; rosuvastatin, which lowers cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes; and metformin, used to manage type 2 diabetes. The list also includes olanzapine for treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, especially manic episodes; pregabalin, which treats nerve pain, seizures, and anxiety disorders; and mebendazole, intended to combat intestinal helminthiasis.