Health Department response on Medicine Stockouts Report
The overall medicine availability has improved significantly over the years. However, the Department does face some challenges from time to time. We welcome the initiative by SSO to investigate stockouts in the province.
In the April to June 2022 period, suppliers have reported some supply challenges for some of the contracted contraceptives. These challenges included Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient shortages, production delays, and quality control issues.
This was reported for both tablets and implants. Additionally, the contract for one of the implants was ceded from one supplier to another, which resulted in further interruptions in supply.
The Department is continuously engaging the suppliers to identify any possible supply challenges, to adjust the demand forecast (where needed) and to work together to mitigate the risks. Furthermore, the Department has established a decision-making forum, with all provinces represented, to identify interventions aimed at addressing any medicine supply challenges, to improve medicine availability and reduce the potential impact of stock outs.
Where supply constraints are identified, the Department works with the provinces to identify and implement alternative interventions to minimize stock outs and impact on patients.
The alternative interventions include, but are not limited to sourcing from alternate suppliers, recommending use of therapeutic alternatives, applying and sourcing Section 21 medicines.
For example, when the Medroxyprogesterone injections was unavailable, a Section 21 was sourced to minimize impact on patients.
Additionally, provinces were engaged to provide revised estimates for the injection and the adjusted demand was communicated to the contracted supplier to ensure supplier plans production accordingly.
Currently, the Department is not aware of any supply constraints for contraceptives. The supply plan indicates that suppliers have sufficient stock to meet the provincial demand.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Mr Foster Mohale
Departmental Spokesperson
National Health Department
Cell: 0724323792
Email: Foster.mohale@health.gov.za
Mr Doctor Tshwale
Media Liaison Officer for Health Minister
National Health Department
Cell: 063 657 8487
Email: Doctor.Tshwale@health.gov.za
