Increase in Medicine Prices in South Africa’s Private Health Sector
Overview
The Department of Health has announced a 2.88% increase in the single exit price (SEP) for all registered medicines, effective from 1 October 2026. This adjustment aims to address pricing pressures in the pharmaceutical sector.
Key Details
- Purpose of Increase: The increase is intended to provide manufacturers with relief to sustain medicine supply while ensuring affordability for patients and medical schemes.
- Scope: The price adjustment applies to all medicines registered in the national database as of 30 September 2026, covering all related pack sizes.
- Context: The decision follows discussions between the government and the pharmaceutical sector, highlighting rising input costs and geopolitical factors as risks to medicine availability.
Regulatory Framework
- Single Exit Price (SEP): The SEP is the maximum regulated price for medicines in the private sector, ensuring uniform pricing across buyers, including pharmacies and hospitals. It does not apply to state sales.
Conclusion
This price adjustment is part of the government’s strategy to balance the affordability of medicines with the sustainability of supply in the face of various economic pressures.
Contact Medinol if you need access to these prices: SEP & Retail for Dispensing Doctors.