The Department of Health has reassured the public that there is no shortage of antiretroviral medicines in South Africa, despite two suppliers facing business rescue.
The Department of Health issued a statement on Friday addressing concerns over potential disruptions in the supply of antiretroviral (ARV) medicines. This came after reports that two suppliers, awarded contracts under the current ARV tender, have entered business rescue.
The department emphasized that it has implemented measures to ensure continuity in the provision of these life-saving treatments for HIV. "The phenomenon of a company that has received a tender from the state going into business rescue or experiencing financial hardship is not new," the statement noted. To mitigate risks, the tender was awarded to multiple suppliers.
Upon notification of the supply issues, the department engaged the affected companies to assess the problems and resolution timelines. Simultaneously, contingency plans were activated, with other suppliers instructed to ramp up production to cover any gaps.
Current data indicates that provinces hold enough stock of the affected ARVs to meet approximately three months of demand. Stock levels are under close surveillance at national and provincial levels. "The department is alive to the consequences of the country running out of ARVs and will never allow this to happen," officials stated, advising patients to continue collecting their medications routinely from health facilities.
Uninterrupted access to HIV treatment is a key national priority, and the department assured healthcare workers and patients that all steps are being taken to sustain a stable supply.