Medicines shortages have been on the rise in Europe with tremendous consequences for patients. Between 2000 and 2018, the number of shortages has increased 20-fold. Medicines to treat cancer, infections and disorders of the nervous system, account for half of the shortages in the EU. For 40% of our medicines, we rely on third countries to produce them, and this is even 80% for ingredients of medicines. This is because medicines can be produced more cheaply in countries such as India and China, where environmental and labour standards are much lower. Problems arising with production in these countries create shortages for European patients.
In Europe, there is no regulatory authority to prevent stockpiling. This means that some countries can buy up a lot of medicines, causing shortages in other countries.
The European Commission has a responsibility, together with the Member States, to ensure affordable and accessible medicines for all its citizens. Want to know more about what it is like for patients to experience medicines shortages, and what we should do about it? Watch our video below!
Testimonials
Marc Ferrante, Gastroenterologist and one of the representatives of BIRD
Ann, 59 years old
Steven, 37 years old
Erwin, 62 years old
Paule, mother of a patient who wishes to remain anonymous
Bart, 56 years old