Addressing medicines shortages in the European Union

Addressing medicines shortages in the European Union Addressing medicines shortages in the European Union Shortages of medicines are increasingly a matter of great concern in the European Union (EU) and are perceived as a “severe cross-border threat” by a number of national and EU authorities. [...] The lack of availability of medicines can have devastating consequences for patients’ health and wellbeing, not only through the lack of medicine itself but also through the uncertainty of how to acquire it. [...] In response to the problems with the supply of so-called essential medicines, the European Commission has suggested a range of initiatives, varying from a European Voluntary Solidarity Mechanism for medicines to a Union list of critical medicines (published in December 2023). [...] In addition to these measures, certain Member States have also put forward proposals such as a Critical Medicines Act, following the example of the European Chips Act.[1] Indeed, last Thursday (25 April) saw the launch of the Critical Medicines Alliance, a new structural/institutional mechanism that aims to find solutions to ensure the supply of critical medicines in the EU to better prevent and c. [...] Combatting shortages and other obstacles that prevent access to medicines is a pivotal part of the work of HAI, and we are happy to be members of the Critical Medicines Alliance.