Latvia still lacks strategic reserves of medicines, and there are no clearly defined and understandable long-term strategies for ensuring the availability of medications both in everyday life and in emergencies, said Janis Libkens, a board member of the Latvian National Association of Drug Supply, to journalists earlier this week.
He also criticized the government for often failing to meet forecasts, being late, or basing orders on outdated data.
The Ministry of Health claims that the majority of medicines are available. The state agency for medicines refused to answer questions from "Diena," passing the inquiries to the ministry.
The concern of the association for drug supply has intensified following news that American pharmaceutical companies are considering withdrawing their medicines from the European market or raising prices.
"Although these are still just assumptions, recent years have clearly shown us that the shortage and availability of medicines on the market are as important as their price. In order to be able to purchase and use medicines, they must first reach Latvian warehouses, pharmacies, and hospitals," says Libkens.
The lack of a national strategy is confirmed by the seasonal shortage of flu vaccines, antibiotics, and even the most common paracetamol/ibuprofen suspensions, as well as the annually growing list of medicines that are unavailable in Latvia due to supply disruptions from manufacturers. Ministry of Health representative Oskars Schneider reminded "Diena" that there are three levels of drug reserve formation in Latvia.
"In response to the question about the availability of medicines, it should be noted that about 3,500 medicinal products are represented in the Latvian market, and the shortage is no more than 2%, or approximately 70 items. Information on the availability of medicines from Latvian wholesale suppliers is updated daily on the State Agency of Medicines website. Supplies of 98% of medicines sold on the Latvian market are stable and regular. This means that most medicines are available, and patients can purchase them at pharmacies or receive them at medical institutions," says Schneider.
He added that, considering the geopolitical situation, Latvia is taking measures to ensure the resilience of the healthcare sector in emergencies, to restore and replenish the state's material reserves.
