As the new year begins, Mauritius faces a severe issue of drug shortages. Numerous medications remain out of stock in private pharmacies. Wholesalers, who supply these essential products, are unable to deliver them. This situation leads to frustration among healthcare providers and patients. According to Chetan Dookun, president of the Pharmaceutical Association of Mauritius, this problem has persisted since December and shows no signs of immediate resolution. The shortages affect a wide range of essential drugs, making it increasingly difficult for patients to access the medications they need.
The Causes of Drug Shortages
One wholesaler explained that these drug shortages impact all market players. This issue is beyond their control and likely originates from disruptions in the global supply chain. The scarcity of raw materials for drug production remains a major factor, a problem that has continued since the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that when they place orders, they receive barely half or even a quarter of the requested quantities. To mitigate the impact of the drug shortages, wholesalers distribute the limited stock evenly across all pharmacies. This approach aims to prevent any single chain from dominating the market. However, this method does not resolve the underlying issue, as the quantities received are still insufficient to meet the growing needs of patients.
The Impact on Patients and Pharmacists
Pharmacists confirm that several essential medications are currently unavailable due to ongoing drug shortages. While many of these drugs have alternatives, some do not. This situation creates significant difficulties for patients, especially those with chronic conditions who rely on specific medications. One pharmacist explained that patients accustomed to a specific branded medication often refuse to switch to another brand due to concerns about differences in effectiveness and side effects. This reluctance underscores the importance of patient education. Pharmacists must guide patients in understanding and accepting alternative medications when available.
Country of Origin and Availability
The availability of drugs also depends on their country of origin. Original brand-name medications primarily come from countries such as the United Kingdom and France. In contrast, generics are sourced from Pakistan, India, Germany, and Austria. Despite available substitutes, patients often remain skeptical about their effectiveness compared to original brands. This skepticism makes it more challenging for pharmacists to manage the crisis, as they must constantly reassure patients while navigating the uncertainty of future stock availability.
Long-Term Drug Availability Issues
Certain essential medications have remained unavailable in pharmacies due to drug shortages for several years. While some drugs fluctuate based on supply, others—such as Iodex, Piriton, Stemetil, and Zantac—have disappeared from the market entirely, often without clear explanation. The unpredictable nature of these shortages complicates pharmacies’ ability to plan their inventory and ensure that patients have uninterrupted access to necessary treatments.
A Global Crisis of Drug Shortages
The issue of drug shortages has become more visible during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, experts note that it has been an ongoing concern for much longer. Reports from the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) highlight the alarming growth of this crisis. In January 2024, ANSM reported that there were 4,925 cases of drug shortages or potential shortages in 2023. This figure marks a 30.9% increase compared to 2022 and nearly doubles the numbers recorded in 2021. The reasons behind these shortages are complex and multifaceted.
Key Factors Contributing to Shortages
Difficulties in sourcing raw materials for drug production remain one of the primary causes. Pharmaceutical manufacturers struggle to obtain the necessary ingredients. Quality control issues during production can lead to delays, as certain batches of drugs must be discarded or recalled if they do not meet regulatory standards. Insufficient production capacity is another significant factor. Manufacturers often cannot keep up with the growing demand for medications, especially widely used treatments. Furthermore, the fragmentation of production stages across multiple countries complicates the supply chain. Any disruption in one region can have a cascading effect on global availability.
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