Health authorities address medicine shortages in South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago

Health authorities in South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago are addressing ongoing challenges regarding medicine availability and pharmaceutical management.

In South Africa, the Western Cape Health and Wellness Minister, Mireille Wenger, has called for national government intervention to resolve country-wide medicine supply constraints. The provincial department identified several causes for the shortages, including manufacturing and regulatory hurdles, supplier constraints, customs delays, and issues with the testing and release of medications. These shortages particularly impact patients with chronic conditions.

In Trinidad and Tobago, Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe reported approximately $346 million in wastage related to expired drugs and other goods. To combat these issues, the government plans to construct a centralized warehouse for pharmaceutical supplies and is updating the National Oncology Formulary. Additionally, a new National Reliance Policy for Medicines has been passed to accelerate the drug registration process.