National News

France

French pharmacy students in the fight against drugs shortages in France and the EU

For several months, France, but also other countries of the European Union, have been suffering drug shortages Despite the urgency and importance of this health problem, it is not new Drug stock-outs have worsened considerably in recent years In France, drug shortages have increased by 20% between 2008 and 2018 45% of the finished medicines we consume are produced outside the EU. For active ingredients such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, 80% are manufactured in Asia, compared to only 20% thirty years ago. These countries requisition their stock to answer their national needs. Thus, EU countries remain vulnerable and without alternatives. The COVID-19 pandemic has only aggravated this phenomenon, by highlighting European dependence on Indian and Chinese production chains in particular. What consequences for patients? Treatments for cancers, infections, and nervous system disorders, essential medicines, account for more than half of these shortages. Access to care is delayed in 59% of cases and even cancelled in 39% of cases. This puts patients at considerable risk and weakens health systems.