The South African government would be sourcing drugs in short supply outside the country because of problems with sourcing medicine locally, the health department said on Monday.

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi met with executives from pharmaceutical companies on Friday and was informed that the firms were experiencing problems supplying about 155 product lines, including antibiotics, cardiovascular medicines, analgesics, anaesthetic agents and central nervous system medicines.

The companies cited difficulties sourcing pharmaceutical ingredients and other raw materials, unexpected demand for certain medicines, and delays in the formulation and packaging of drugs. While the companies have promised to fix the problem and deliver outstanding orders, the health department said it would be implementing its own remedial measures.

“In this regard, the National Department of Health has been searching for other global suppliers that may have sufficient stock of these items to assist until supplies are restored,” the department said.

“Over the next couple of weeks we anticipate receiving these medicines from suppliers outside of South Africa and we are confident that the supplies will improve.”