Addressing medicine shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: the consumer check list

People need medicines to survive and to enjoy a better quality of life. A such, it is crucial to guarantee the constant supply of medicines at the pharmacy or the hospital. However, drug shortages are a major public health threat in Europe and affect supplies of all kind, from painkillers to cancer treatments. This is a longstanding problem, and the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the weak links in the supply chain. BEUC calls on the EU to step up action to ensure that medicines – to treat both COVID-19 and other diseases – are available when we need them.

Recommendations include: 

1. Urgent measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. EU action needed beyond the pandemic.
3. Evidence-based policymaking.