In both Belgium and France, certain drugs are becoming less and less available, with the shortage now being felt in Luxembourg. Currently, 230 drugs have been listed as “unavailable” by the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products.
“In general, a shortage that affects Belgium also affects Luxembourg” confirms Paulette Lenert. “As a large majority of medicines marketed in Luxembourg come from Belgium, shortages on the Belgian market have repercussions on the availability of these products in Luxembourg,” adds the Minister of Health, in an answer to a parliamentary question from Claude Wiseler (CSV).
However, it is difficult to give a list of the medicines concerned, as the supply fluctuates so much: “The notifications of shortages of which the Health Directorate is informed can concern any type of medicine and are of variable duration” writes Paulette Lenert. But “in general, alternatives are available” she reassures.
To improve the monitoring of drug availability, the Luxembourg government is creating a computerized monitoring platform as well as a list of “essential or critical” medicines. “This project also addresses many other issues related to unavailability in order to mitigate the consequences of drug supply disruptions.”
