Shortage of Medications Felt in Germany Over the Last 12 Months

About one-third of residents in Germany have experienced a shortage of medications over the past 12 months, according to a report by the German publication Merkur, citing results from a survey conducted by the Federal Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers.

“In the survey commissioned by the Federal Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, 35% of respondents stated that they had difficulty purchasing medications last year. In a similar survey conducted by the association a year ago, only 18% of respondents reported having issues with obtaining medications,” the publication cites the survey data.

It is noted that not only consumers have been dissatisfied, but there have also been complaints from pharmacies themselves. It was previously reported that Germany has faced prolonged interruptions in the supply of medications, including antibiotics, pain relievers, children's flu syrups, and cancer medications. In April, the supply of 480 medications was interrupted.

Consequently, the Federal Medical Association of Germany has called on the government to establish a national stockpile of essential medications in light of the prolonged interruptions in importing drugs from abroad.