Greek pharmacists report shortage of drugs beyond official list
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Loading... - Perez Manuel
- 09 Jun 2023
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According to Greek pharmacists, the official inventory of drugs absent from Greek pharmacies exceeds the officially reported numbers. The Pharmaceutical Association of Attica (FSA), which represents pharmacists in Athens, states that recent drug scarcities, previously addressed by temporary measures implemented by the Health Ministry earlier this year, have resurfaced. Furthermore, the list of medications experiencing shortages has expanded, encompassing various new drugs.
Pharmacists assert that numerous vital medications such as antibiotics, anti-tetanus serums, insulin, inhalers, and cardiac medicines are not merely unavailable in the market but also lack any prospects of immediate stability.
An assistant pharmacist named Anna Kostantinidi shared, "There are highly important medications missing, including widely-used antibiotics like Augmentin, Klaricid, and Amoxil." She continued, stating that insulin injections for patients, as well as medicines for dementia and Alzheimer's, cannot be provided.
Despite the National Medicines Organization (EOF) indicating that the updated shortage lists comprise 235 drugs, pharmacists argue that the actual tally extends far beyond that number.
Pharmacist Rafael Siakos mentioned the absence of Exelon patches and Ebixa, both vital for treating Alzheimer's disease. These medications have not been delivered for several months.
Pharmacists also emphasize that antihistamine medicines used to alleviate common allergies or colds are included in the list of shortages.
"At this time of the year when children's allergies are at their peak, these medications are crucial," stated an anonymous pharmacist. They further revealed that cortisone eye drops and pills, as well as medicine for the common cold, are lacking and unavailable to customers
