Local medicines shortage affects 1,200 patients annually

A survey by the Association of Belgian Pharmacists has found that 1,200 patients a year are at risk because of the lack of availability of certain medicines, reported La Dernière Heure. In 35% of cases, the shortage can have a serious effect on the patient’s health.

“Every year, it is worse and worse,” according to one pharmacist. “There are certain weeks when cancer patients are forced to stop treatment because the medicine they regularly take is not on our shelves. Despite everything, when it comes to serious illnesses we often find an alternative solutions for patients.”

The Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products confirmed the shortage problem and called for clearer procedures on what pharmacists should do when a medicine is out of stock.

Belgian Health Commissioner Maggie De Block’s office is taking the problem seriously, with one official calling for collective action by all those concerned, including the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products drug makers, pharmacists and the government. “All must take their responsibility,” the official said.

A spokesman for the pharma.be industry organisation said it’s doing everything to sufficiently supply the Belgian market but noted that when there are shortages there is nothing it can do.

Photo courtesy Creneau International