The National Department of Health has urged the public not to panic over noticeable changes in the packaging, colour or appearance of some medicines supplied at public healthcare facilities, stressing that the changes do not necessarily indicate a shortage.
The department has reassured patients that medicines with different packaging or appearances remain safe, effective and suitable for use, provided they have been supplied through approved channels.
Department spokesperson Foster Mohale explained that public healthcare facilities source medicines from suppliers that meet strict regulatory and quality requirements. Where multiple approved suppliers provide the same medicine, patients may receive products from different manufacturers at different times.
“Although these medicines may look different, they contain the same active ingredients, are of the same strength/quality, and provide the same therapeutic benefits,” Mohale said.
He added that approved equivalent medicines are considered safe, effective and interchangeable, allowing healthcare professionals to dispense alternatives when a particular brand or supplier’s product is unavailable.
The department also clarified reports of medicines being “out of stock”, saying this does not always mean patients cannot access treatment.
In some cases, a particular brand, pack size or supplier’s product may be temporarily unavailable while an equivalent medicine remains in stock.
Medicine availability is monitored through the National Surveillance Centre and other reporting systems, including the web-based Stock Visibility System (SVS). These systems help identify potential supply challenges early and allow the department to work with provincial health authorities, suppliers and regulators to address risks.
Patients who are uncertain about changes to the appearance or packaging of their medicines are encouraged to consult their healthcare professionals before making any changes to their treatment.
