Extended reporting and storage obligation for essential medicines
Published: Thursday, Jan 11th 2024, 12:11
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In view of impending shortages, the federal government is extending the storage and reporting obligation for vital medicines. Supply shortages or supply interruptions must now be reported for around 320 active ingredients. Compulsory stocks are now required for around 120 active ingredients.
The number of active substances subject to notification is increasing by over 60 percent and the number of active substances subject to stockpiling by almost a quarter, as announced by the Federal Office for National Economic Supply (FONES) on Thursday. The changes to the ordinances required for the expansion, which will help to improve the supply situation, will apply from Monday, January 15.
If an active substance is notifiable, supply bottlenecks or supply interruptions must be reported to the National Economic Supply (NES). Anyone who manufactures or distributes notifiable active substances must also state how long the supply will be disrupted and whether alternative therapeutic products are available in the meantime.
The National Economic Supply Reporting Office regularly informs all stakeholders about the current supply situation. In addition, compulsory stocks must be maintained for around 120 active ingredients. If the market cannot guarantee supply, this strategic reserve can be used.
According to the Federal Office for National Economic Supply, the processes are to be automated in future in order to cope with the additional workload resulting from the extended reporting and storage obligation. The cantons and healthcare organizations welcomed the expansion in principle.
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