Pharmacies defy drug shortages – oesterreich.ORF.at
BLESS YOU
For around 95 percent of the currently frequent cases of missing medication, a solution is found directly in the pharmacy. This was assured by the Pharmacists’ Association on Thursday. In the case of prescription drugs, however, consultation with the doctor is required for the dispensing of a preparation with the same active ingredient.
That’s difficult at the moment. Because of the full medical practices and outpatient clinics in the cold wave, the Red Cross reminded of the possibility of telemedicine. At least 500 medicines are currently not available due to the high dependency of production on China and India, as a daily look at the corresponding list of the BASG (Federal Office for Safety in Health Care) shows, the Austrian Association of Pharmacists explained in a broadcast.
These include some common medicines that are in high demand given the particularly strong flu and cold season.
Pharmacists speak of additional work
“We see it as our responsibility to cover every patient immediately, despite the shortages. In around 95 percent of cases, a solution is found directly in the pharmacy – by coordinating with other pharmacies, placing an order abroad, dispensing a drug with the same active ingredient or even the individual production of one in the pharmacy’s own laboratory,” emphasized Alexander Hartl, second vice president of the pharmacy Association of Pharmacists and Pharmacists in Vienna.
“The overall situation on the global drug markets is currently generating additional work of several hours a day on site in the pharmacy in Austria,” he explained.
Association welcomes drug pricing discussion
The Association of Pharmacists also welcomed the discussion about the resulting low drug prices in Austria. “For many years we have been drawing the attention of partners in the healthcare system to the fact that Austria is at a considerable disadvantage in international competition in shortage situations, such as we have been experiencing for some time now. In case of doubt, the industry will supply those countries with limited availability of medicines where the price level is significantly higher than in Germany,” reported Andreas Hoyer, the association’s first vice-president.
The number of flu sufferers in Austria is still at a very high level. In addition, there are infections with the corona virus, the RS virus and other cold diseases. “We therefore appeal to everyone to only see their doctor if it is necessary. In the course of this, we would also like to remind you of the offer of telemedicine,” said Wolfgang Schreiber, chief physician at the Austrian Red Cross, according to a broadcast. He also recommended getting the flu shot. In addition, more attention should be paid to hygiene measures to prevent infection, and sick people should stay at home and isolate themselves.