The PGEU conducted a survey of pharmacies in 29 countries, including members of the European Union (EU), Türkiye, Norway and North Macedonia.

The survey results showed that drug shortages in most European countries worsened substantially compared to last year.

More than 600 medicines are in short supply in a quarter of these countries, while 20 percent reported shortages of 200 to 300 medicines, the pharmaceutical group said.

Three-quarters of the countries reported shortages were worse this winter compared with a year ago.

The research also showed that the most difficult drugs to obtain in outlets across Europe are especially the amoxicillin-group antibiotics used in the treatment of respiratory tract infections.

Other medical products in short supply are cough syrups used in the treatment of pediatric diseases, paracetamol in syrup form and some blood pressure medications.

According to local specialists, the reason for the problem of medicines in the EU is the decrease in supply despite the growing demand, as seasonal infections started early and progressed stronger this year.

On the other hand, pharmaceutical manufacturers are not ready for the high demand in front of increasing infections, with the energy crisis in Europe and rising prices of raw materials affecting production.

jrr/abo/jcm/amp