Admin hurdles do not encourage chronic medication adherence

I don't know why an employer medical scheme (that I have no choice to be a member of) makes simple things so needlessly complicated. I am on chronic medication, approved to pay from the chronic benefit. The type and dosage of this medication hasn't changed in over 4 years. I need an extra supply since I will be travelling abroad, and will miss a refill date. One would think this is a relatively easy ask, and at most they'd need proof I was travelling. Last year when I needed this, I tried 2 days before departing- the pharmacy were not successful, so I had to end up paying for myself. The pharmacist explained I should have contacted the scheme a few days before, and it shouldn't be a difficult thing to obtain, as this is a relatively common requirement for people on chronic treatment. I thought requesting this 8 days before travel this time around ought to be adequate. But no, Libcare requires needs one to fill out a form that confirms information the Scheme already has, and also need to confirm in writing I will not be leaving the scheme (despite providing proof of my return flight). Thereafter, it can take up to 14 "working" days to revert with a response. All to get a few extra days of medication.