Switzerland takes more steps to relieve antibiotics shortage

The Swiss government is to free up compulsory stocks of oral antibiotics as of March 1 in response to an acute shortage of some drugs. Up to now the Federal Office for National Economic Supply (FONES) has been able to remedy supply disruptions by authorising temporary partial release of compulsory stocks. But this is no longer enough, it said in a statement on Friday. Some antibiotics – those administered by injection or infusion – have been covered by the release of compulsory stocks in force since November 1, 2019. The government is now extending this to tablets and capsules that can be taken from the stocks in large quantities. + Read more about the shortage of medicines in Switzerland Compulsory stocks are aimed at stockpiling essential goods in case of crisis. With regard to medicines, all companies putting a listed vital drug onto the Swiss market for the first time are bound by law to hold compulsory stocks. Switzerland has experienced problems with antibiotic supplies...