During a recent meeting of the Lithuanian Parliament's Health Affairs Committee, the head of the State Medicines Control Agency (VVKT) highlighted a positive trend in drug supply disruptions, noting a decrease in reported cases. According to VVKT data, there were 1,245 temporary and 144 permanent drug supply disruptions reported last year, compared to higher numbers in previous years. This year, however, 1,430 temporary and 111 permanent disruptions have been recorded, reflecting a slight fluctuation but indicating some improvement in the supply chain.

The reasons for these disruptions vary significantly between temporary and permanent cases. Temporary disruptions are primarily attributed to supply chain issues, which can occur at various points from the manufacturer to distribution channels. The VVKT chief pointed out that production problems and unexpectedly high demand are major factors contributing to these temporary interruptions. On the other hand, permanent disruptions tend to be commercially driven, indicating that economic factors play a significant role in the stability of drug availability in Lithuania.

This discussion is crucial as it sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by the healthcare system in ensuring a stable supply of essential medications. The recent trends could suggest an improving situation, but the presence of both temporary and permanent disruptions highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and intervention to secure reliable access to medications for patients across the country.