EU Proposes Boosting Local Drug Production to Tackle Medicine Shortages

The plan aims to reduce reliance on Asian imports and streamline manufacturing processes within Europe.

The EU Commission has proposed legislation to increase domestic medicine production and address persistent drug shortages across member states.
Key measures include faster approval processes and enhanced access to public funding for pharmaceutical manufacturing within Europe.
Currently, 80-90% of medicines in Europe are sourced from Asia, raising concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities, particularly in times of geopolitical conflict.
The proposed changes are expected to alleviate strain on healthcare workers, who often spend significant time managing drug shortages and finding alternative medications.
Pharmacists may gain the ability to suggest alternative drugs without requiring new prescriptions, potentially reducing delays for patients.