Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions of Medicine Shortages in Public Health Facilities of the Eastern Cape, South Africa

The study concludes that medicine shortages severely impact patient safety, clinical outcomes, and healthcare providers' well-being in this setting. The pronounced concerns among pharmacists highlight their strained role in managing the crisis and underscore the urgent need for strengthened pharmaceutical supply chain governance, interprofessional collaboration, and targeted policies to mitigate the effects of shortages and protect patients from financial hardship.