Medication Shortages in Lower Saxony

Pharmacies in Lower Saxony face significant shortages of approximately 500 medications, including vital antibiotics, antidepressants, and saline solutions. This crisis stems from production shifts to emerging countries, alongside quality issues and challenging price negotiations.

The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) monitors these supply gaps, particularly for critical medications. While hospital pharmacies can import necessary saline solutions, the Chamber of Pharmacists expresses frustration over the lack of effective political measures to address these shortages.

Although the Federal Health Ministry acknowledges temporary supply issues, it insists that there is no overall supply crisis, highlighting the urgent need for a coordinated response to ensure medication availability.