CLUNE CALLS FOR EUROPE-WIDE SOLUTIONS FOR MEDICINE SHORTAGES

Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune says an EU wide approach is needed to solve the significant medicine shortages in Ireland and across Europe.

Speaking during an emergency debate in the European Parliament, MEP Clune welcomed the Commission’s plans to oblige manufacturers to guarantee supplies and encouraged a thorough evaluation of EU-wide methods of procurement, purchasing, storage and distribution of key medicines.

MEP Clune, a member of the European Parliament’s Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, says “the number of out-of-stock medicines in Ireland has risen to 224 this week, but many countries are facing similar problems.

This is a pan-European shortage of critical medicines, which requires a collaborative response.

Now is the time to put strategic autonomy for our medicines in Europe front and centre, while working towards increasing production in Europe.

We must apply the lessons learnt from the Covid-19 pandemic, to discuss common procurement and stop national health systems from competing with each other for the same limited stocks.

A true European Health Union will pave the way for a solution on this issue, which will be best for patients.”