By REGINALD KANYANE
11 September 2026 – The North West public healthcare system is facing a serious medication shortage, with patients reportedly being left without essential treatment for chronic conditions. Forum for South Africa (Forum 4 SA) has raised alarm over reports that a number of public healthcare facilities across the province are running short of critical medication, including medicines required by people living with diabetes.
The organisation said some patients are being turned away or sent home without the medication they need, while family planning medication is also reportedly unavailable at certain facilities.
The National Leader of Forum for South Africa, Tebogo Mashilopane said the situation was unacceptable and placed vulnerable patients at unnecessary risk. Mashilopane said patients should not have to arrive at public healthcare facilities only to be told that their essential medication is unavailable.
“People living with chronic illnesses depend on a consistent supply of medication to manage their conditions. Forum 4 SA has expressed particular concern about communities such as Madibeng, where residents already face difficulties accessing reliable public services.
“The organisation cited the case of a Madibeng patient who reportedly received only one bottle of diabetes medication for an entire month, despite the medication allegedly not being enough to last until the next collection,” he said.
Mashilopane further said this raised serious questions about medication forecasting, procurement, stock management and distribution within the provincial health system. He added that how can government expect patients to manage chronic illnesses when the health system cannot guarantee the medication they need?
“This situation requires urgent investigation and decisive action. Forum 4 SA is calling for the immediate dismissal of the North West Health MEC, Sello Lehari, as well as an urgent province-wide audit of medication availability at public healthcare facilities.
“The organisation is also demanding a full investigation into procurement, stock management and distribution failures, together with immediate intervention to ensure that diabetic patients receive enough medication for their prescribed treatment periods,” said Mashilopane .
He said they further call for the restoration of family planning medication supplies and accountability for officials responsible for persistent shortages and poor planning. Mashilopane said the public should also receive regular information about medication stock levels at clinics and hospitals.
“Healthcare is a basic service, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford private medical care. Poor and working-class communities deserve dignity, quality healthcare and reliable access to essential medication.
“We would continue to monitor the situation and supporting affected patients and communities in their calls for accountability and improved public healthcare services,” he said.
The Guardian 