Drug shortages can arise from several reasons, such as manufacturing or distribution problems, lack of active ingredients or unexpectedly high demand. To address these, a government-appointed inquiry has submitted an interim report proposing a legislative amendment. This would give the Swedish Medical Products Agency expanded powers to temporarily restrict the prescribing and dispensing of medicines in case of shortages.
The government sees this as an important step to strengthen the healthcare system’s ability to manage shortages, but also to strengthen preparedness so that the patients most in need have access to vital medicines. The government will now consider the submitted proposals and thereafter decide how to take them forward.