Persisting Medicine Scarcity Persists Across the European Union
The European Union is grappling with a significant issue - medicine shortages. According to the European Court of Auditors, weaknesses in supply chains are a primary cause of these shortages.
The EU Commission has introduced legislative proposals aimed at combating these shortages, hoping for their swift adoption by EU states and the European Parliament. However, the Court of Auditors has not yet specified the reasons for the weaknesses in supply chains or the fragmentation and restricted free trade within the EU's internal market for medicines.
Between January 2022 and October 2024, EU states recorded critical shortages of 136 medicines. Notably, the EU is completely dependent on Asia for common painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen. The main suppliers of these essential drugs are predominantly from Asia, with India and China leading API production due to lower costs.
The EU Commission acknowledges the Court of Auditors' demand for a stronger EU framework to combat medicine shortages. However, the report suggests that measures taken to prevent drug shortages have not been successful. The Court of Auditors has not specified the reasons for the EU's dependency on Asia for certain medicines or the extent or duration of the potential shortages.
Klaus-Heiner Lehne from the Court of Auditors has demanded an effective solution for critical medicine shortages. He has also warned that patients in the EU may still experience shortages of vital medicines, including common antibiotics, for an undetermined period.
The number of drug shortages reported by EU countries reached a record high in 2023 and 2024. Yet, the Court of Auditors has not specified the reasons for this trend. The EU's internal market for medicines remains fragmented and free trade is restricted, contributing to the complexity of the issue.
The European Court of Auditors has not yet reported on the impact of these shortages on patient health or healthcare systems. It is crucial for a comprehensive understanding and prompt action to address this pressing issue and ensure the wellbeing of EU citizens.
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