European Medicines Agency Reports Worsening Shortages of Essential Medicines in 2023
The shortage of essential medicines in Europe continues to worsen, according to the annual report from the European Association of Pharmacies and Pharmacists (PGEU) for 2023. The report highlights a significant increase in shortages of antibiotics, cardiovascular, and respiratory drugs, impacting millions of people across the continent.
In the Netherlands alone, 2,292 shortages were recorded last year, affecting around 5 million people. Other countries such as Sweden, Portugal, and Spain have also seen a significant rise in the number of shortages, creating a major strain on the healthcare system.
The report also indicates that EU pharmacies are spending nearly 10 hours per week dealing with shortages, taking away valuable time that could be spent providing patient care and counseling. The shortage of healthcare personnel has only compounded the issue, making it even more challenging for pharmacies to find solutions.
Aris Prins, president of PGEU, expressed concerns about the impact of these shortages on patients, stating that it causes frustration and discomfort and undermines their trust in the healthcare system. The shortage also puts stress on pharmacy staff and adds to the administrative burden of their daily work.
The European Pharmacists’ Association is calling for immediate measures to address this chronic problem, including timely notification of shortages, more timely information to pharmacists, and a more equitable redistribution of medicines between countries. Prins emphasized that the reform of EU pharmaceutical legislation represents a unique opportunity to build a more resilient supply chain and improve the prevention, monitoring, and management of shortages.
As the shortage of essential medicines continues to create challenges for healthcare providers and patients, urgent action is needed to reverse this troubling trend and ensure that all individuals have access to the medications they need.