South Africa: Mahikeng Clinic Runs Out of Antenatal Supplements - 'I Am Scared for My Baby'

What the report says

Pregnant women at Ramatlabama Health Centre outside Mahikeng in South Africa’s North West province say the clinic has been out of antenatal supplements for months, leaving them to seek iron, calcium and folic acid privately at pharmacies. The facility serves a rural community of more than 2,000 residents, and staff and community health workers say the shortage affects women who are already struggling to afford basic costs.

According to Health-e, some expectant mothers were told to buy the supplements themselves after clinic visits, with one woman saying she was advised to obtain the medicines from a pharmacy. Another first-trimester patient said she was worried about what the gap in treatment could mean for her baby. The article notes that South Africa’s primary healthcare guidance recommends these supplements during pregnancy to help prevent anaemia, pre-eclampsia and certain birth defects.

Health workers interviewed by Health-e said the stockout has lasted since around May and could increase the risk of complications for mothers and unborn children if it is not resolved. They also said most local women are unemployed and depend on grants, making private purchases difficult.

The North West Department of Health said it is aware of intermittent supply constraints affecting some medicines and facilities and is working to reduce disruptions. The report also refers to earlier provincial intervention in pharmaceutical services after a stock management system failure, highlighting broader supply-chain pressures in public health delivery.