RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Brazil is going through a phase of medicine shortage in several regions.
The lack of medicines has affected pharmacies, hospitals, and public health units in most cities in the country.
The lack of supply is due to the absence of raw materials to compose the substances and the shortage of packaging materials.
The current scenario has become a concern for the Municipal Council of Health Secretaries of São Paulo state (Cosems/SP), which listed more than 40 substances scarce on the shelves.
Most are medicines considered simple but of utmost importance for the functioning of the public service, such as dipyrone, ketoprofen, and even saline solution.
The supply crisis also affects the region of Araraquara and Taquaritinga. According to the manager of SAMS of Ibitinga, Queila Pavani, “it is difficult to purchase medicines of the antibiotic, antiemetic, and antiflu type.”
“Brazil is very dependent on raw materials from countries like India and China, which are the largest producers in the world. The disorganization of the pharmaceutical industry’s production system is added to the current recession because of covid-19.
“When there is no shortage of raw materials, there is a shortage of vials, glasses, blister packs, and droppers. There is a huge difficulty in making acquisitions,” explained the Health manager.