Patients in the EU will likely continue to face shortages of vital medicines in the future, according to a report by the European Court of Auditors.

The number of medicine shortages reported by EU countries reached record levels in 2023 and 2024. Between January 2022 and October 2024, EU member states recorded critical shortages of 136 medicines, according to the report.

  • BigMikeInAustin@lemmy.worldEnglish
    1·
    3 months ago

    He also emphasized that for common painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, the EU is entirely dependent on Asia.

    One of the main causes of shortages, the auditors in Luxembourg noted, is weakness in supply chains.

    Additionally, the EU’s internal market for medicines is fragmented and free trade is restricted.