South Africa should judge medicine shortages by whether patients receive their full treatment on time, not only by stock figures, according to a recent opinion piece. The author argues that public reporting on patient access would show whether current supply measures actually work.
Department reassures on generics
On 1 September 2026, the National Department of Health explained that changes in a medicine's appearance or packaging do not necessarily signal a shortage. Generic medicines contain the same active ingredient, strength and dosage form as the reference product. They must also meet regulatory standards for quality, safety and effectiveness.