Western Cape asks Creecy to help clear port delays for medicines
Western Cape health MEC Mireille Wenger wrote to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy about bottlenecks at South African ports, especially Durban, that may delay imported medicines. Wenger says public sector stock-outs have lasted since June and calls for a co-ordinated national response.
Wenger says the shortages come from several causes. She listed manufacturing constraints, international shipping disruptions, supplier backorders, procurement challenges, regulatory delays and testing delays. She says medicine supply problems affect the whole country.
The provincial health department has not yet established the nature and extent of the port delays. Quality testing of imported medicines can take three and four weeks before distribution. Wenger said: "Every day we can save in the supply chain is a day gained in getting essential medicines to our patients."
Wenger first raised her concerns on June 2. The issue went to the National Health Council on June 11. The national department of health said it knows about the stock-outs and is preparing a comprehensive statement.
Key facts
- Who
- Mireille Wenger (Western Cape Health and Wellness MEC); Aaron Motsoaledi (Health minister); Barbara Creecy (Transport minister); National Health Council (Body where the issue was tabled on June 11)
- What
- Western Cape health MEC Mireille Wenger wrote to transport minister Barbara Creecy requesting help with logistical bottlenecks at South African ports, particularly the Port of Durban, that may delay imported medicines. Wenger says medicine stock-outs have persisted since June and calls for a co-ordinated national response.
- When
- 29 October 2026
- Where
- Western Cape, Durban, South Africa
- Status
- Reported