17
Jan
2023
Watch
Surge of respiratory infections and the shortage of medication in Europe (debate)
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, in Italy there is a temporary shortage of more than 3 000 medicines and the other Member States have similar problems. The cases do not only concern the increase in demand for COVID-19 waves, influenza viruses and respiratory infections, there are production problems linked to higher energy costs, more expensive raw materials and difficulties in the supply chain. Several European countries continue to have a problem of dependence on foreign countries for access to pharmaceuticals and health devices. There is a concentration of production in third countries, with China and India leading the way. It is therefore a priority to accelerate the achievement of the objectives of the European pharmaceutical strategy to help the sector increase production and autonomy in the Union. Immediate action shall be taken with coordinated measures at Union level for the procurement, exchange and distribution of medicinal products necessary for each Member State, ensuring strategic storage and countering any speculation to ensure certain pharmaceutical treatments. Leave no one behind. We need united and European responses.