Europe is facing a drug shortage of antibiotics like amoxicillin, which is used to treat respiratory infections. The signs of the crisis started to show in late 2022 with countries reporting problems in sourcing certain important drugs. What is the bloc doing to solve this health crisis? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Europe battling drug shortage

Do you live in Europe or the US? Are you in the need of prescribed antibiotics? If your answer to both the questions is yes then you know what we are talking about. Several western countries are reporting a serious shortage in antibiotics or paracetamol.

Europe hit by shortage of antibiotics; doctors and officials express concern

Europe: UK reports shortage in supply of antibiotics; doctors to recommend shorter courses

Antibiotics manufacturers are facing supply-chain challenges as several countries across Europe are reporting shortages of antibiotics amid a rise in the demand for the medicines.&nbsp;A report by The Wall Street Journal stated that data from various nations show that amoxicillin, and cephalosporins, are among other widely used antibiotics that are reported to be short in supply.&nbsp;

As per the health authorities in the countries and the manufacturers, the shortage is because of the sudden rise in the demand for antibiotics in the post-pandemic era as the removal of COVID-19 restrictions led to several diseases.&nbsp;

The doctors and officials have raised concerns over the data as the shortage can hamper the treatment of conditions such as ear infections, pneumonia, etc.&nbsp;

The Covid restrictions in China, which are now easing gradually, also played a part in the shortage of antibiotics in the European nations as manufacturers are facing delays in the supply of ingredients, packaging and other components.&nbsp;

The spike in energy costs, especially after the Russia-Ukraine war, is also causing some energy-intensive production difficult to maintain. As quoted by WSJ, Remi Salomon, a paediatrician at Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital in Paris, said: "We are very afraid, because we heard that the shortage will be for three or four months." Salomon also represents physicians at the city’s public hospitals.&nbsp;

A report published on December 9, a new World Health Organization (WHO) report revealed that "high levels of resistance in bacteria, causing life-threatening bloodstream infections, as well as increasing resistance to treatment in several bacteria causing common infections in the community based on data reported by 87 countries in 2020". &nbsp;

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Antibiotics manufacturers are facing supply-chain challenges as several countries across Europe are reporting shortages of antibiotics amid a rise in the demand for the medicines.

Antibiotics manufacturers are facing supply-chain challenges as several countries across Europe are reporting shortages of antibiotics amid a rise in the demand for the medicines. A report by The Wall Street Journal stated that data from various nations show that amoxicillin, and cephalosporins, are among other widely used antibiotics that are reported to be short in supply. As per the health authorities in the countries and the manufacturers, the shortage is because of the sudden rise in the demand for antibiotics in the post-pandemic era as the removal of COVID-19 restrictions led to several diseases. The doctors and officials have raised concerns over the data as the shortage can hamper the treatment of conditions such as ear infections, pneumonia, etc. The Covid restrictions in China, which are now easing gradually, also played a part in the shortage of antibiotics in the European nations as manufacturers are facing delays in the supply of ingredients, packaging and other components. The spike in energy costs, especially after the Russia-Ukraine war, is also causing some energy-intensive production difficult to maintain. As quoted by WSJ, Remi Salomon, a paediatrician at Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital in Paris, said: "We are very afraid, because we heard that the shortage will be for three or four months." Salomon also represents physicians at the city’s public hospitals. A report published on December 9, a new World Health Organization (WHO) report revealed that "high levels of resistance in bacteria, causing life-threatening bloodstream infections, as well as increasing resistance to treatment in several bacteria causing common infections in the community based on data reported by 87 countries in 2020". WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Doctors show concern as countries across Europe face shortages of antibiotics