A record high level of drug shortages is expected in the Netherlands.

In the Netherlands, a record high level of drug shortages is expected this year, the Royal Netherlands Association of Pharmacists (KNMP) said on Monday.

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“In 2023, the number of medicines in short supply will reach a record level,” a message posted on the website of the association of pharmacists says.

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It is noted that in 2022, about 1514 medicines in short supply were registered in the Netherlands; meanwhile, the number of such drugs for this year has already reached 1179.

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“Shortage of medicines caused by problems with the production, distribution and quality of medicines can have huge consequences, as it affects a large group of the population,” the Dutch pharmacists say.

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For example, people suffering from heart disease, gout or infections can no longer rely on their medicines being available daily from local pharmacies.

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Aris Prins, chairman of the Royal Netherlands Association of Pharmacists, considers the situation alarming and called on all stakeholders in the Netherlands to take a decision to get out of this situation as soon as possible.

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Earlier, the Dutch Board of Public Health (RVS) reported that the healthcare system in the Netherlands urgently needs reforms, more and more citizens are not receiving the health care they are entitled to.