Prescription drugs are not available, electronic prescriptions cannot be cashed in
In the heart of Baden-Württemberg, Stuttgart's pharmacies are grappling with a growing issue: medication shortages. These shortages, caused by complex supply chain issues, have been causing disruptions for both patients and pharmacists alike.
The e-prescription system, designed to streamline the process, is still experiencing frequent outages and instability. Over the past two weeks, there have been five days of complete outages or significant disruptions, causing further complications. These outages not only affect the smooth running of the pharmacies but also lead to delivery trips increasing as pharmacists scramble to find alternatives.
Patients who are dependent on specific medications, such as those for rheumatism, are facing difficulties. The life-saving active ingredient for rheumatism medication has been unavailable for three weeks at the Europa Apotheke on Königstraße. Despite seven manufacturers producing this medication, finding an alternative has proven unsuccessful.
The frustration of patients and pharmacists is growing due to the ongoing issues. Pharmacy staff in Stuttgart are spending more time finding alternatives or switching active ingredients due to shortages. This process often requires consultations with doctor's offices, adding to the administrative burden.
The Baden-Württemberg State Pharmacists' Association reported 533 supply gaps by the beginning of this week, a steady increase from the end of 2022 and the spring of 2023. The number of medication shortages in Stuttgart has significantly increased, with over 300 medications currently missing.
The unreliability of the e-prescription system is causing significant financial losses for pharmacies. The number of pharmacies in Baden-Württemberg continues to decrease, with 2.5% less by the end of June compared to the end of 2024.
Automation efforts in pharmacies, like those by KNAPP in Stuttgart with prescription-specific vial filling and automated systems, aim to reduce errors and improve efficiency. However, these systems may not fully offset supply shortages arising upstream.
The causes of medication shortages in Stuttgart primarily stem from supply chain bottlenecks and production limitations, increased demand for certain drugs, logistics and distribution challenges, and complex manufacturing and quality control requirements. These disruptions are exacerbated by factors such as the pandemic's impact on supply chains, stringent quality controls, and sometimes inadequate procurement practices.
The impacts on patients include reduced access to essential medicines, delays in treatment, and potential health risks, particularly for chronic or acute conditions. Pharmacists face operational challenges like increased workload due to the need to find alternative therapies, communicate with healthcare providers and patients, and manage inventory uncertainties.
In summary, the frequent medication shortages in Stuttgart's pharmacies pose challenges for both patients and healthcare providers. Efforts to improve the e-prescription system and automate pharmacy operations are ongoing, but addressing the root causes of the medication shortages remains crucial for ensuring the smooth delivery of essential medicines to those who need them.
[1] Supply Chain Management Review, "COVID-19's Impact on Supply Chain Management: Lessons Learned and Future Considerations," 2020. [2] Pharmacy Today, "Pharmacy Automation: Benefits and Challenges," 2021. [3] Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, "Quality Control in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Challenges and Opportunities," 2019.
The e-prescription system's instability exacerbates the medication shortages, leading to increased delivery trips for pharmacists seeking alternatives. In light of the growing number of shortages in Stuttgart, the implementation of automated systems, like those by KNAPP, may help reduce errors and improve efficiency, but they may not fully resolve supply chain bottlenecks. The health-and-wellness of patients is at risk due to reduced access to essential medicines, and science should focus on addressing the root causes of these shortages to ensure the smooth delivery of necessary treatments.
