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11.11.2026

Public Medicine Shortages Expose Payment Failures

Public medicine shortages leave patients without treatment as unpaid provincial bills disrupt supplies. Read why financial accountability matters.
Public medicine shortages leave a South African clinic patient facing empty pharmacy shelves.
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Public medicine shortages in South Africa are exposing the consequences of unpaid provincial accounts, alongside international supply disruptions.

According to the National Health Department, one in seven medicines normally supplied by the state is unavailable or at risk of running out. Patients face treatment changes, additional clinic visits or private pharmacy purchases. Those unable to cover these costs face the greatest barriers.

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