The Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union (PGEU) has published its annual report on medicine shortages, revealing that all 28 participating countries reported difficulties in the supply of drugs in community pharmacies throughout 2024. The situation remained as serious as the previous year, the worst ever recorded.
Key Findings
- Widespread shortages: All European countries faced shortages of medicines, especially antibiotics, cardiovascular and nervous system drugs.
- Impact on pharmacies: Pharmacists spend an average of 10.6 hours a week dealing with shortages – an alarming increase compared to previous years.
- Damage to patients: Drug shortages cause interruptions in treatment, increased costs for patients and a loss of confidence in the healthcare system.
- Disparity between countries: While some nations have implemented emergency measures, many still don’t have an efficient monitoring system or agile alternatives to mitigate the crisis.
Main causes of shortages
- Manufacturing problems (68%)
- National pricing and purchasing strategies (54%)
- Unexpected increase in demand (50%)
What can be done?
The PGEU is calling for urgent measures from governments and the European Union to ensure a more stable supply of medicines. Recommendations include:
- Greater transparency and sharing of information on shortages
- Expanding the role of pharmacists in replacing unavailable medicines
- Reforms to pharmaceutical legislation to prevent supply disruptions
- Better financial compensation for pharmacies dealing with the crisis
Drug shortages are a public health crisis that requires rapid and effective responses. The PGEU report, which people can acess here, reinforces the urgency of coordinated action to prevent millions of Europeans from being left without access to the treatments they need.
Portugal is already tackling this challenge. INFARMED I.P. has announced new rules to strengthen the management of medication availability, showing a proactive commitment to mitigating the shortage and protecting patients.
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