The European Commission has proposed a "voluntary solidarity mechanism", aimed at preventing medicine shortages similar to those experienced in the previous year. The mechanism includes an early warning system for drug scarcity and allows EU capitals to access an EU-funded stockpile if donor numbers fall short.
Last winter's shortages of antibiotics and painkillers, particularly for children, prompted the commission to propose emergency measures. These measures include extending drug shelf life, expediting alternative supplier approvals, and bolstering production.
Beyond these measures, the commission is also encouraging joint drug procurement and medicine exchanges with southern hemisphere nations starting in 2024 due to their differing peak winter demands. A Critical Medicines Alliance will be established in the same year to guide national stockpiles and involve governments, industry, and civil society.
An industry survey conducted in 2022 revealed worsening drug shortages in three-quarters of countries. The EU's dependence on pharmaceutical ingredients from China and India has led to supply chain disruptions and increased demand. This situation is further exacerbated by inflation impacting the production of generic drugs. In response, France is advocating for reshoring basic medicine supply with a paracetamol factory set to open next year.
The commission's proposal could lead to the creation of a Critical Medicines Act, which would list essential medicines by the end of this year. Additionally, the commission is seeking approval for its pharmaceutical legislation overhaul that includes provisions for taking control during public health emergencies.
According to an analysis by the European Medicines Agency, the EU should avoid an antibiotics shortage this year unless there is unexpected demand. This depends on the industry's compliance with their legal obligations to ensure supply and their ability to adapt.
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