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The Netherlands’ medicines shortage is greater than ever, according to figures from the pharmacy organization KNMP. Last year, 2,292 medicines were unavailable nationwide for two or more weeks, compared to 1,514 in 2022. About 5 million of the 13 million medicine users in the Netherlands were affected by at least one medicine shortage last year, according to the KNMP. The medicine shortages have a major impact on patients.
Pharmacists sound alarm after 50% rise in out-of-stock medicines
Pharmacists and pharmacist assistants are increasingly facing aggressive customers. The main reason behind it is the growing medicines shortages, the pharmacists’ association KNMP told De Telegraaf. Medicines disappearing from the basic health insurance also leads to incidents.
Many EU countries are facing a shortage of antibiotics due to increased demand and logistical problems. The Netherlands is also affected by this. A so-called "shortage decision" has already been made for certain antibiotics, which, according to Health Minister Ernst Kuipers, is an exception and will only be used "if it is really necessary," De Telegraaf reported.
The Royal Dutch Pharmacists Association (KNMP) has declared the shortage of medicines, RIA Novosti reports Photo: www.pixabay.com...