Problems at South African pharmaceutical giant lead to medicine shortages

A disruption at Aspen’s manufacturing facilities has led to shortages of oral contraceptives across South Africa, according to the health department and a local pharmacy chain.

Production setbacks at the Johannesburg-listed drugmaker have caused shortages of several widely used state-subsidised contraceptives, including Triphasil, Nordette and Microval, at clinics and pharmacies across South Africa, the Department of Health said.

The disruption has left women facing shortages at local clinics and pharmacies. 

The latest disruption underscores the fragility of South Africa’s healthcare supply chain, which is often exposed to single-company vulnerabilities.

Among the factors causing supply disruptions are inaccurate demand forecasting, supplier manufacturing constraints, and late payments by provincial health operations, the department said.

“The supply constraints were primarily due to manufacturing challenges experienced by Aspen Pharmacare, which affected its ability to supply the required quantities of the products,” a department spokesman said in reference to the local unit of Aspen Pharmacare.

A shortage was confirmed by South African pharmaceutical chain Clicks.

“Aspen has advised that certain oral contraceptive brands, including Triphasil and Nordette, are currently experiencing supply constraints,” said Clicks Chief Healthcare Officer Graeme Leon, adding that “suitable alternatives may be available.”

In response to the disruption, Aspen requested approval to source alternative brands from other manufacturers, a measure that was approved by the department to help alleviate the shortages, the department said. 

The drugmaker “has expedited alternative supply and continues to prioritise and supply the state sector, with the private market to follow,” it said in a reply to questions.

The introduction of the alternative brands has begun to stabilise supplies, with a more material recovery in the availability of oral contraceptives through the public health system expected by the end of July.