# South Africa medicine supply shortages > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-africa-medicine-supply-shortages > Updated: 2026-10-18T23:29:28.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. South Africa is facing significant medicine shortages, particularly affecting patients with chronic and life-threatening conditions such as hypertension and asthma. The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health has highlighted critical gaps in the national healthcare system, noting frequent stock-outs and a lack of dedicated budget allocations for traditional medicine. In the Western Cape, the Department of Health and Wellness attributed these shortages to supply chain pressures, including manufacturing delays, international shipping disruptions, regulatory processes, and delays in national procurement contracts. Following these concerns, Western Cape Health and Wellness Minister Mireille Wenger has called for national government intervention to resolve the country-wide supply constraints. The provincial department further identified customs delays and issues regarding the testing and release of medications as contributing factors to the shortages. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-18: Health authorities address medicine shortages in South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago Health officials in South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago are implementing measures to combat medicine shortages and pharmaceutical wastage caused by supply chain and regulatory issues. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/health-authorities-address-medicine-shortages-in-south-africa-and-trinidad-and-tobago ### 2026-10-15: South Africa Parliament raises concerns over medicine shortages South Africa’s Parliament has raised concerns over essential medicine shortages, inadequate funding for traditional medicine, and supply chain disruptions affecting patient care. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-africa-parliament-raises-concerns-over-medicine-shortages --- Cite as: South Africa medicine supply shortages. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-africa-medicine-supply-shortages