The chronic shortage of medicines in Italy has reached a critical point, with 3,501 drugs currently missing from the market, according to the Italian medicines agency, AIFA. The shortage, which exploded during the pandemic, has been attributed to problems related to the production and marketing of these products, causing a ripple effect that is affecting pharmacies and hospitals alike.
Giuseppe De Filippis, president of the Order of Pharmacists of Como, explains that Italy’s reliance on importing medicines and active ingredients from nations like China and India has led to less competitive prices and a decreased supply. The pandemic has exacerbated this issue, as the demand for certain drugs has increased significantly, leading to a scarcity of essential medications. Additionally, difficulties in obtaining materials for blisters and packaging have contributed to the problem.
The shortage has also caught the attention of singer Fedez, who raised concerns about the unavailability of the drug Creon, used for the treatment of the pancreas. While there may be equivalent medicines or alternative therapies for some of the missing drugs, others like Creon have no alternatives, posing a serious risk to patients who rely on these medications.
Some drugs in Italy are priced too low, leading to a lack of new supplies, while others, such as new generations of anticancer drugs, are awaiting validation from authorities for a long time before they can be accessed through the healthcare system. The lack of a “punctual” sale of drugs in Italy has also resulted in instances where prescribed therapy does not match the number of drugs contained in the boxes, leading to wastage.
The chronic shortage of medicines in Italy has prompted calls for a solution to this growing problem that is affecting the health and well-being of citizens. The issue of drug unavailability is now a serious concern that needs to be addressed promptly to ensure the availability of essential medications for all those in need.