France is facing shortages of more than 3,000 medicines, according to a senator who will lead a commission of inquiry on the issue.
Sonia de la Provote said all areas were affected, including anti-cancer and anti-epileptic drugs.
She warned that there was a “domino effect” on antibiotics as pharmacists picked one strain after another, affecting “the entire antibiotic chain.”
According to a survey by the patient group Assos Santé, one in three people in France face a shortage of supplies.
READ MORE: Drug shortages: France’s antibiotic stocks may run low until spring
The strain on the supply chain has been going on for months.
A number of factors are at play, including high demand due to winter flu and bronchiolitis epidemics, and the EU’s reliance on manufacturing in China and India.
To prevent future shortages, the government has drawn up a list of 280 “essential” medicines, but a final decision is still needed.
No word yet on when it will be released.
The idea is inspired by similar measures taken in the UK and the US and will allow us to prioritize the manufacturing of these therapeutics.
Health Minister François Braun said earlier this year, “Once we have the list, we will analyze all stages of production, from the active ingredient to the moment the drug arrives at the pharmacy, to identify where there are hold-ups.” rice field. “The lack of access to essential medicines is unacceptable.”
He added that steps would be taken to bring production back to France.
READ MORE: Common antibiotic joins list of 277 medicines in shortage in France
We plan to stockpile medicines ahead of future winters, if needed.
Mr Brown recently called for a joint European response to the problem of shortages.
Pediatricians from several countries recently wrote to European health ministers warning that children were at risk from shortages of medicines such as antibiotics and asthma medications.
To reduce waste, pharmacists are allowed to sell certain medicines, including antibiotics, in precise dosages.
However, after one year, only 0.1% of reimbursable drugs are sold this way.
Pharmacists say they don’t have time to split doses into new boxes or print new labels.
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