Western Cape calls for national intervention as medicine shortages persist

Medicine shortages lasting more than four months in the Western Cape are putting pressure on public healthcare services. The provincial Department of Health and Wellness cites manufacturing and regulatory problems, supplier constraints, import and customs delays, and delays in testing and releasing medicines. Provincial MEC Mireille Wenger has written to national Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi seeking clear timelines for measures to improve supplies. Authorities have also warned people against buying medicines from street vendors after a man was arrested in Gugulethu for allegedly selling medication, some of it expired.