Ministry of Health
The supply of children’s medicines is improving – only three medicines remain tight
Antibiotic juice for children: Supply bottlenecks for children’s medicines are easing
© Jan Woitas / DPA
Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach reports that supply bottlenecks for medicines for children are decreasing. The situation is only “tense” with some antibiotics and medicines for asthma and bronchitis.
The supply situation for children’s medicines is improving despite some ongoing supply bottlenecks. According to the newspapers of the editorial network Germany (RND), the current report from a working group set up by Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) states: “Based on the pharmacies stocking up in the previous months, the Medicines on the emergency list can generally be assumed to be in good supply.”
Tense situation with three medicines
However, according to the RND newspapers, the report names three medicines with a “tense” supply situation. These are the antibiotics clarithromycin and penicillin V as well as medications containing the active ingredient salbutamol, which is used for asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Penicillin V is expected to ease in February/March, the report says. When it comes to salbutamol, the responsible Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bfarm) is in close contact with the pharmaceutical companies. The report gives the all-clear for suppositories containing paracetamol and ibuprofen. According to the RND newspapers, the experts write that the supply situation is secure here.
Shortages of children’s medicines in winter
Lauterbach founded the so-called high-level working group last year. The committee includes representatives from the pharmaceutical industry, wholesalers and the medical and pharmacist professions. The reason for founding the working group was shortages of children’s medicines in the previous winter.