Intervention at the level of the European Commission on this issue drug shortage the minister of health asks. Thanos Pleuris.

In particular, as highlighted in a related ministry statement, Mr Pluris “sent a letter to the responsible health commissioner, Stella Kyriakidou, requesting a central policy at European Union level on the problem of drug shortages faced by all of its member states of the European Union.”

According to him, “this problem cannot be solved only through internal procedures, and the need for a centralized policy throughout the EU is an urgent need.”

Letter in detail

“Dear Commissioner,

Recently, the problem of the adequacy of specific medicines has been constantly aggravated throughout the EU. It is understood that this is due to a reduction in production due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the energy crisis, the war in Ukraine, as well as a reduction in the production process in countries where raw materials are available.

Member States are trying to solve this problem through internal procedures, but nevertheless, it is necessary to have a central policy at the level of the whole EU. to solve the problem.

In the short term, direct coverage of citizens of EU member states should be ensured. in all pharmaceutical products, and in the medium and finally in the long term, drug production in the EU should be strengthened.

In this direction, I turn to you with the above concerns and please, within the scope of your duties, evaluate the above in order to have a central policy on the part of the EU Member States. to address the problem of drug shortages, as this is an issue that affects Member States as a whole.”