Switzerland takes action against drug shortages
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Switzerland takes action against drug shortages
The Swiss government wants to expand reserves, ease imports and support the manufacture of key drugs.
Drug shortages are becoming increasingly frequent. In response, the governing Federal Council is taking new measures, it announced on Thursday.
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Relocation of production to Asia and concentration of suppliers are making supply chains vulnerable. The Federal Council has already taken short-term measures in spring 2023. A new component will strengthen supply.
In particular, compulsory reserves are to be extended to include additional life-saving drugs. In the event of a shortage, medicines not authorised in Switzerland are to be temporarily imported for large patient groups.
The Federal Council also wants to support the production of medicines in Switzerland. In addition, the government itself will be able to produce medicines via the army pharmacy.
The Federal Office of Public Health has been commissioned to carry out the work.
Adapted from French by DeepL/ac
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