The Medical Supply Depot (MSD) was short of the HIV drugs Abacavir and Efavirenz and the diabetes medication Metformin, spokesman Simon Zwane said in a statement.

"This shortage is due to many factors including the challenge of lack of ingredients to manufacture Abacavir, for an example."

In an attempt to prevent future shortages, the MSD would increase its stockpiles of essential and fast-moving medicine from six weeks to three months.

"Previously the suppliers also put a hold on delivering medicines due to non-payment, but debts have since been settled and the department continues to engage with suppliers to agree on structured delivery plans," Zwane said.

There was no contract in place for insulin products, but the contract would be awarded within six weeks. The stock was being bought on quotation in the meantime.

The contract for chemotherapy drugs had been renewed and stock had already been procured for hospitals.

The supply of essential antibiotics was on track and stock was delivered timeously to clinics and hospitals, Zwane said.