Medicine shortages are causing widespread concern for patients and pharmacists across Mayo, according to Westport-based Fine Gael candidate Keira Keogh.
During her campaign, Keogh has encountered numerous stories of individuals struggling to access essential medications. This shortage extends beyond costly prescription drugs to even everyday necessities like aspirin.
Pharmacists report alarming stock disruptions, with some experiencing a 33% reduction in their usual stock and others facing shortages of over 300 medicines. Hospital pharmacists echo these concerns, particularly as vital supplies like intravenous fluids and antibiotics occasionally run dangerously low.
These shortages stem from a confluence of factors, including increased global demand, ongoing supply chain disruptions, and production delays. Medications with lower profit margins are particularly vulnerable to these issues.
Keogh shared a poignant example of a patient newly diagnosed with ADHD who faced significant challenges obtaining their prescribed medication, ConcertaXL. The patient had meticulously scheduled time off work for necessary blood pressure monitoring, only to discover the medication was unavailable, creating a stressful and frustrating experience for both patient and pharmacist.
Ireland’s smaller market size makes it less appealing to pharmaceutical suppliers, increasing the vulnerability of essential medications for conditions like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Brexit has further compounded the problem, with only Ireland and Malta now serving as English-speaking markets within the EU. Many pharmacists are forced to procure medications from the UK, a process that is both time-consuming and costly.
To address these challenges, pharmacists advocate for the creation of a dedicated Chief Pharmaceutical Officer position within the Irish government. They argue that this role would be crucial in managing these issues and providing essential support.
Keogh is raising this critical issue with Colm Burke, Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing, and the National Drugs Strategy, formally requesting that it be put forward as a parliamentary question. Should Keogh be elected to Dáil Éireann, she pledges to prioritize addressing these pressing concerns.
“Patients and their pharmacists should focus on care and recovery, not on sourcing or worrying about medications,” Keogh emphasized.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Keira Keogh on Medicine Shortages in Mayo
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Keira Keogh, and thank you for joining us today. As a Fine Gael candidate and a Westport local, you’ve been on the front lines of a troubling issue affecting the healthcare of so many in Mayo. Can you share a bit about your campaign experiences related to medicine shortages?
Keira Keogh (KK): Thank you for having me! It’s been both enlightening and distressing to hear firsthand accounts from people struggling to access their medications. Many patients in our community have shared stories of waiting weeks for essential prescriptions, and it’s devastating to see those who rely on daily medications feeling anxious about their health.
TNE: It seems that this issue is widespread. What types of medications are most affected, and how is this impacting patients?
KK: Absolutely, it’s not just the costly prescription drugs that are in short supply; we’re even seeing shortages of everyday necessities like aspirin. This affects a broad range of patients—from those managing chronic conditions to those who may just need common over-the-counter medications for minor ailments. For many, it adds an unnecessary layer of stress to their healthcare journey.
TNE: Pharmacists have reported significant disruptions in stock. What specific statistics have you encountered that highlight the severity of this issue?
KK: I recently spoke to several pharmacists who informed me that some are experiencing a staggering 33% reduction in their usual stock levels. Others noted that they are facing shortages of over 300 different medicines. This is alarming, especially for hospital pharmacists, who have expressed concerns over the availability of critical supplies like intravenous fluids and antibiotics, which can sometimes dip to dangerously low levels.
TNE: What do you believe are the root causes of these shortages?
KK: The problem arises from a combination of factors. Increased global demand for medications, ongoing supply chain disruptions, and production delays have all played a role. Unfortunately, medications that yield lower profit margins are often the first to become unavailable, creating a troubling situation for those who need them the most.
TNE: That sounds incredibly frustrating for both patients and pharmacists. What steps do you think should be taken to address these shortages?
KK: The government needs to prioritize this issue by collaborating with pharmaceutical companies to boost production, especially of essential medications. We also need to enhance our supply chain resilience to prepare for future disruptions and ensure equitable access to medicines. It’s essential to create policies that incentivize the production of lower-margin drugs so that they don’t fall off the radar.
TNE: Given the importance of this issue in your campaign, how do you plan to maintain pressure on policymakers if you are elected?
KK: I intend to advocate for regular communication between local pharmacists, hospitals, and government bodies to ensure transparency in the supply chain and to identify potential shortages before they escalate. Engaging with our community to keep them informed and empowered is essential. I believe that widespread public pressure can drive change in healthcare policy.
TNE: Thank you for your insights, Keira. This is a critical issue that affects many lives, and it’s encouraging to hear your commitment to finding solutions. Is there anything else you would like to add?
KK: Just that I urge anyone who is experiencing difficulties accessing their medications to reach out and let us know. Stories from our community can highlight the reality of this crisis and help us advocate for change more effectively. We need to work together to ensure that everyone has access to the medications they need to stay healthy.
TNE: Thank you, Keira. We look forward to seeing how this issue unfolds and the solutions that come forth in the future.
KK: Thank you for having me—it’s been a pleasure!