The Panhellenic Medical Association (Πανελλήνιος Ιατρικός Σύλλογος, ΠΙΣ) is alarmed by the serious shortage of medicines expected in the new year around the world. At the same time, the leadership of the Ministry of Health, according to ΠΙΣ, “seems to be moving in the wrong direction.”
In particular, in 2012, the Greek population purchased 171,700,000 packages of medicines, in 2013 – 192,300,000. And already during the first eight months of 2014, 118.9 million packages of medicines were purchased. Despite the fact that these data are almost 10 years old, the situation, believe me, has not only improved or stabilized (since it was forbidden to sell antibiotics without a prescription), but even worsened.
At a time when all governments are recognizing (and preparing) the pharmaceutical market for shortages, and organizing and strengthening supply chains, “in Greece, the leadership of the Ministry of Health does not attach due importance to this” and even moves “in the opposite direction” as dispensing expands without the required prescription.
As noted, the unprecedented shortage is caused by the pandemic and reduced production in countries such as India and China.
The association’s leadership also speaks of “an unscientific and extremely dangerous practice, since the same testimony does not apply to all citizens. And, of course, only a doctor can give specific recommendations and prescribe treatment to a patient.”
The Panhellenic Medical Association Πανελλήνιος Ιατρικός Σύλλογος urges the leadership of the Ministry of Health to “immediately accept proposals in order to ensure timely savings and rational use of medicines that should be available to those patients who really need them.”
Recall that the Greeks are very fond of self-medication, judging by the figures of the statistical report. The Greeks consume just an unthinkable amount of drugs – 15 million packs per month! These figures were announced by Dimitris Kontos, Head of EOPYY, at the 14th PHARMApoint Pharmaceutical Congress in Thessaloniki.
In addition, according to the Institute for Pharmaceutical Research (IFET), there is an incredible “squandering” of drugs. As noted, only within two years, about 200 tons of expired pharmaceuticals were collected (which the hypochondriac citizens stocked up for the future).
In addition, according to the Institute for Pharmaceutical Research (IFET), there is an incredible “squandering” of drugs. As noted, only within two years, about 200 tons of expired pharmaceuticals were collected (which the hypochondriac citizens stocked up for the future).
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