The Department of Health says changes in the colour, shape or packaging of medicines supplied at public healthcare facilities do not affect their quality, safety or effectiveness.
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The Health Department has moved to reassure South Africans that patients will continue to receive treatment at public healthcare facilities despite concerns about medicine shortages and changes in the appearance of medication.
Department spokesperson Foster Mohale said reports of medicines looking different or being supplied in alternative packaging should not be interpreted as evidence of shortages or changes in treatment.
“The Department wishes to reassure the public that a change in the colour, shape, packaging or manufacturer of a medicine does not mean that the medicine itself has changed,” Mohale said.
The department explained that public healthcare facilities source medicines from multiple approved suppliers that comply with strict regulatory and quality standards.
As a result, patients may receive medication from different manufacturers over time, causing differences in appearance.
“Although these medicines may look different, they contain the same active ingredients, are of the same strength/quality, and provide the same therapeutic benefits. They are approved as safe, effective and interchangeable,” Mohale said.
Health authorities added that doctors, pharmacists and nurses are authorised to dispense equivalent medicines to ensure patients receive uninterrupted treatment.
Patients who are uncertain about changes to their medication have been urged to consult healthcare professionals for clarification.
The department also sought to address growing concerns about medicine shortages in parts of the country, stressing that reports of stock shortages do not necessarily mean patients are unable to access treatment.
According to the department, shortages often involve a specific brand, supplier or pack size rather than the medicine itself.
“In many cases, a specific brand, pack size or supplier's product may be temporarily unavailable, while an equivalent medicine remains available and accessible,” Mohale said.
Healthcare workers routinely provide clinically appropriate alternatives to ensure continuity of care, the department added.
The department said medicine supply chains remain vulnerable to international disruptions, including manufacturing delays, shortages of raw materials, increased global demand and transport challenges.
“Like many countries, South Africa's medicine supply chain can occasionally be affected by factors beyond the control of the health system,” Mohale said.
Despite these challenges, authorities said efforts are ongoing to minimise disruptions and maintain access to essential medicines.
To strengthen oversight of medicine availability, the department continuously monitors stock levels through the National Surveillance Centre and the Stock Visibility System (SVS), a web-based digital monitoring tool.
The systems provide early warnings of potential supply problems and allow health authorities to work with provinces, facilities, suppliers and regulators to address risks before they affect patients.
The department said it remains committed to ensuring that South Africans continue to receive “safe, effective and quality-assured medicines” through the public health system.
IOL News
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