Motsoaledi confirms SA to implement anti-counterfeit medicine plan from 2026

The national action plan for combating the use of fake medicines in South Africa will be implemented from next year.

It’s aimed at rooting out illegal medicines that have seeped into the market.

These include weight loss medication.

The plan has been developed by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), guided by the World Health Organization (WHO).

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Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said the plan would be implemented from 2026 to 2030.

Its main aim is to ensure that the public’s health is protected and that fake medicines are removed from the market.

Motsoaledi said guarding measures would be introduced at ports of entry and would also include market surveillance and inspecting medicine manufacturers.

"All actors within the supply chain, particularly at key pinch points in both the public and private sectors, must be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and equipment to identify and report suspicious products to SAHPRA," said Motsoaledi.

He added that the implementation would be driven by technical working groups, including border management, police, and suppliers.