Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 June 2023
369. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health who reports to him regarding medicine shortages; what reports of shortages he received in 2022 and to date in 2023; to outline the nature and date of the reporting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30385/23]
View answerOfficials in my department report to me regarding medicines shortages and I am aware and fully up to date on medicine shortages.
The medicines regulator in Ireland is the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). The Department of Health maintains regular contact with the HPRA regarding medicines shortages. The HPRA publishes a list of medicines currently in short supply on its website (Medicines Shortages (hpra.ie)) with the reason for the shortage and expected dates for the return of supply. The information is available to assist healthcare professionals in managing medicine shortages when they arise and reduce their impact on patients. The information relating to shortages on the HPRA website is dynamic and changes depending on the current information.
Pharmaceutical companies and wholesalers must ensure an appropriate and continuous supply of the medicines they market in Ireland. Companies should notify shortages or potential shortages of medicines to the HPRA and the HSE.
Patients and healthcare professionals can also assist by reporting possible shortages not currently included on the HPRA shortages list.
All those in the medicines supply chain can play a role in preventing and effectively managing product shortages. This is a key goal of the multi-stakeholder medicine shortages framework.
