Common medicines including antibiotics and painkillers for children are in short supply across the European bloc. The Belgian authorities report almost 300 medicines that are in short supply. In Germany the number is 408 drugs. The shortage even led to deaths
Since the end of 2022, EU countries have been reporting serious problems trying to obtain certain important medicines. In a survey conducted among groups representing pharmacies in dozens of European countries, including Turkey, Kosovo, Norway and North Macedonia, almost a quarter of the countries reported a shortage of more than 600 types of drugs and 20% reported a shortage of 200-300 drugs. Most countries said the winter shortage was worse than a year ago. Four countries reported that the shortage resulted in deaths.
The authorities in Belgium report almost 300 medicines that are in short supply, in Germany the number is 408, while in Austria it is currently not possible to buy more than 600 medicines in the pharmacies. Italy’s list is even longer – with more than 3,000 drugs included, although many are the same drug with slight changes.
Antibiotics – especially amoxicillin, which is used to treat respiratory infections – is sorely lacking. Other types of medication, including cough syrup, children’s paracetamol and blood pressure medication, are also rare.
In an appearance before the European Parliament’s health committee, the Commission’s top health official, Sandra Galina, said she wanted “some reassurance”, saying there were alternative medicines to use.