NPA calls for solution to European medicine shortages

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) is urging European governments to join forces in order to tackle the growing problem of medicine shortage across the region.

At the Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union (PGEU) general assembly earlier this month, the NPA joined the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and Pharmacy Forum in underlining the seriousness of this problem.

The PGEU is aware that the number of reports of medicine shortages is increasing and many classes of medicines are affected, but a lack of EU-wide data is preventing a full understanding of the scope of the problem – and its myriad causes – from emerging.

As such, a list of recommendations has been laid out that encourages authorities to strengthen policies to promote the adequate supply of medicines, as well as to provide better communications about shortages.

Raj Patel, the NPA's PGEU delegate, said: "It is time that governments at national and European level realised the seriousness of this problem. Whilst it is a complex and challenging issue, decisive action is required without delay."

Earlier this week, industry body Pharmacy Voice stated that supply delays cause around one million cases of patient inconvenience or distress each year, making it an issue that requires "immediate action" from the UK government.