The European Union is initiating extensive legislative reforms in the pharmaceutical sector in response to drug shortages and other challenges faced by member states, including Latvia.
The European Union (EU) has recognized the pressing issues within the pharmaceutical sector, particularly the drug shortages that became apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. This situation has prompted the EU to embark on a comprehensive reform of pharmaceutical legislation, affecting all member states, including Latvia. Several documents have already been aligned at the European Parliament and working group levels, signaling a proactive approach to addressing these challenges. These reforms are poised to directly impact patients in Latvia by changing how medications are supplied and regulated within the country.
The reliance on imports has been highlighted as a critical vulnerability for EU countries, with supply chains breaking down during the pandemic. Many sectors were affected, but the pharmaceutical industry faced unique challenges due to its dependence on active pharmaceutical ingredients from third countries, mainly China and India. The war in Ukraine has further exacerbated these issues, forcing the EU to reflect on the importance of self-sufficiency in drug production to ensure consistent medication availability for its populations.
From 2022 to 2024, over a hundred different medications have been in short supply across the EU, including essential medicines such as antibiotics and antiviral drugs. The EU's proposed reforms aim not only to manage these supply shortages better but also to enhance the overall resilience of the pharmaceutical sector. As these reforms take shape, patients in Latvia will need to adapt to the new landscape, which may include changes in medication availability and potential shifts in treatment protocols, ensuring that they remain informed and prepared for what lies ahead.
