The National Institute for Food and Drug Surveillance (<a href="http://www.time.news/colombia-received-a-donation-of-biomedical-equipment-from-japan-2024-04-25-210937/" title="Colombia received a donation of biomedical equipment from Japan
– 2024-04-25 21:09:37″>Invima) has announced that a new list of medicines out of stock in the country will be presented at the beginning of November. This information was confirmed by Sandra Montoya, director of medicines at Invima, who also mentioned that, to date, there is still a shortage of 13 drugs that had already been announced at the beginning of October.
In September, Invima had warned about the shortage of 12 medications, including insulin, Salbutamol, activated charcoal, Somatropin, Nevirapine, Methylphenidate, Phenytoin, Etomidate, Estradiol, Chloroquine and Clobazam. In addition, the report indicated that there were nine medications at risk of shortages.
By August, the Institute had reported a total of 15 medicines out of stock, with the majority of these cases attributed to structural problems in manufacturing. Invima called on owners and importers to immediately report the status of the available products.
The continuous shortage of medicines represents a significant challenge for the health system in Colombia, which highlights the need to address structural problems in the production and distribution of drugs. With the new list to be published in November, it is hoped that both providers and patients will be able to have a better understanding of the availability of critical medicines in the country.
Interview with Sandra Montoya, Director of Medicines at Invima: Addressing the Pharmaceutical Shortage in Colombia
Editor of Time.news: Thank you, Sandra, for joining us today. With Invima set to release a new list of medicines out of stock at the beginning of November, could you provide an overview of the current situation regarding drug shortages in Colombia?
Sandra Montoya: Thank you for having me. As of now, we have confirmed that there is still a shortage of 13 medications that we initially announced in early October. This ongoing situation highlights significant challenges within our healthcare system. Previously, in September, we warned of 12 critical medications at risk of shortages, including essential drugs such as insulin and Salbutamol. Our aim is to ensure that both healthcare providers and patients are informed about the availability of these medications.
Editor: That sounds serious. What are the primary reasons behind these frequent shortages that the National Institute for Food and Drug Surveillance has been reporting?
Sandra Montoya: The majority of the reported shortages stem from structural problems in the manufacturing processes. This is a complex issue, involving both local production capabilities and the global supply chain. We are actively encouraging all manufacturers and importers to report their product statuses in real-time, which is crucial for minimizing these shortages moving forward.
Editor: You mentioned previously that Invima reported a total of 15 medicines out of stock by August. How does this figure relate to the newer shortages we’re seeing now?
Sandra Montoya: The figures reflect a troubling trend. The 15 medicines reported out of stock included several critical treatments, and the situation is dynamic, leading to fluctuations in stock levels. The upcoming list in November will shine a light on the current state and hopefully provide a clearer picture for both patients and healthcare providers.
Editor: How does Invima plan to address these structural problems in the production and distribution of drugs?
Sandra Montoya: Our approach includes close collaboration with pharmaceutical companies to identify and rectify issues in their production lines. Additionally, we are advocating for regulatory reforms that could help streamline manufacturing processes and improve distribution logistics. It’s imperative that we build a resilient supply chain that can better respond to both current and future demands.
Editor: Given the ongoing shortages, what practical advice can you provide for patients who rely on these medications?
Sandra Montoya: Patients should always speak with their healthcare providers about their medication needs. Physicians can often recommend alternative treatments if specific medications are unavailable. Furthermore, staying informed through official channels, such as Invima’s announcements, helps patients anticipate shortages and plan accordingly.
Editor: What implications do these shortages have for the healthcare system and what steps should be taken urgently?
Sandra Montoya: The implications are quite severe; continuous shortages can lead to increased morbidity and even mortality among patients who depend on these essential drugs. Urgently, we need to enhance communication between manufacturers, healthcare providers, and the regulatory bodies. Additionally, optimizing our import processes for critical drugs can alleviate immediate concerns.
Editor: As we look forward to the new list in November, what message do you have for the stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry?
Sandra Montoya: I want to emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability. Stakeholders must work together to address these shortages proactively. By providing accurate information about production and supply status, we can collectively ensure that patients have access to the medicines they need. Collaboration is critical for overcoming these challenges.
Editor: Thank you, Sandra, for sharing your insights and shedding light on this urgent issue. We appreciate all efforts being made to combat the medicine shortages in Colombia.
Sandra Montoya: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this critical matter. Together, we can strive for a more robust healthcare system that can ensure the availability of necessary medications for every Colombian.