Western Cape calls for urgent intervention to expedite medicine supplies at ports

The Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, has reached out to national Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, urging for immediate measures to streamline the importation of essential medicines at South African ports, ***Cape {town} Etc ***reports.

The request comes amidst growing concerns about delays, particularly at Durban harbour, which are exacerbating the already critical supply constraints faced by healthcare facilities across the province.

In a letter addressed to Creecy, Wenger emphasised that every unnecessary delay in receiving imported medicines contributes to the suffering of patients reliant on these essential treatments.

‘This is about protecting the health, wellbeing, and dignity of patients who depend on these medicines. With our healthcare facilities already experiencing significant medicine supply constraints, we cannot afford additional delays where they can be avoided,‘ Wenger stated.

While specific reasons for the delays at the ports have yet to be determined, the Department of Health is actively seeking collaboration among relevant authorities, terminal operators, and other stakeholders to identify and eliminate operational or logistical bottlenecks.

‘We have to ensure that medicines reach healthcare facilities without undue hindrance. Once imported, these medicines must undergo rigorous quality testing which can take between three and four weeks. Timely clearance of these consignments is paramount,’ Wenger said.

The urgency of the situation is underscored by the reality that any avoidable delay prolongs patients’ access to necessary medication.

Wenger maintained that while patient safety must always take precedence meaning rigorous testing cannot be skimped on saving time in the supply chain is crucial. ‘Every day we can save in the supply chain is a day gained in getting essential medicines to our patients,’ she added.

This appeal is part of broader efforts by the Western Cape Government to mitigate ongoing medicine shortages, which have been attributed to a complex mix of manufacturing constraints, shipping disruptions, supplier backorders, procurement challenges, and regulatory delays.

Wenger has previously addressed these challenges with national Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, advocating for a concerted focus on these issues at the National Health Council.

‘Our healthcare teams are doing everything they can to manage inconsistent medicine availability, including securing alternatives and redistributing available stock. But these measures are becoming increasingly difficult as shortages persist. While there is no single solution, we must act wherever we can make a difference,’ Wenger concluded.

‘This requires cooperation across government and industry to address challenges within our control. Our patients depend on us to work together to ensure they can access the medicines they need,’

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Western Cape patients face chronic medication shortages as concerns grow

Picture: WCG / Supplied

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