David Cullinane
Ceist:246. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health when he expects the ongoing medicine shortages problem to end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4991/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 1 February 2023
Ceisteanna (246, 247)
David Cullinane
Ceist:247. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he expects the medicine shortages problem and record levels of out-of-stock medicines to end after the winter flu season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4992/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 247 together.
Medicine shortages have become increasingly prevalent worldwide over the past decade. The causes of such shortages are multi-factorial, including shortages of raw materials, manufacturing difficulties, increased demand, product recalls due to potential quality defects, and industry consolidations. As such, medicine shortages can originate at any point in the supply chain, at any stage.
Medicine shortages and their prevention are not unique to Ireland. Similar increases in demand and medicines shortages have been observed in the UK, throughout the EU and across the world at present. In the case of medicines used most often in Ireland however, there are typically multiple alternatives available from various sources that remain available to ensure continuity of treatment. Of the products currently in short supply, alternative treatments are available for every product.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) publishes a list of medicines currently in short supply on its website with the reason for the shortage and expected dates for the return of supply. This information is dynamic and changes depending on the current information the HPRA has to hand, including removal from the list when a shortage has been resolved.
The list of shortages (which is continuously updated) is publicly available and can be found here: www.hpra.ie/homepage/medicines/medicines-information/medicines-shortages
The information is available to assist healthcare professionals in managing medicine shortages when they arise and reduce their impact on patients. The HPRA continues to work with all marketing authorisation holders to increase supply to the market. They also continue to offer regulatory flexibility where possible to suppliers. Through this close engagement the HPRA has secured additional stock of many products currently in short supply for the Irish market.
Question No. 247 answered with Question No. 246.