Health officials monitoring medicine supplies

The country’s health authorities are closely monitoring the consumption of medicines and officials sought on Monday to strike a reassuring tone, saying that supplies are still adequate but calling on doctors to only issue prescriptions that are absolutely necessary.

According to the president of the Association of Attica Pharmacies, Constantinos Lourantos, medicine shortages are at the same level as they have been in recent weeks. In comments to Kathimerini, Lourantos said the current difficulties will probably not have a tangible impact on medical supplies for another 10 to 15 days.

On Monday, the management of the country’s main healthcare provider EOPYY set up a committee to monitor the consumption of medicines in a bid to ensure that supplies do not run out. EOPYY chief Dimitris Kontos told Kathimerini that the situation is “under control.” Meanwhile, Health Minister Panagiotis Kouroublis called on all health sector bodies and services to take all the necessary action to ensure that hospitals and pharmacies are adequately supplied with medicines.

There were reports of some problems with procurement by pharmacies as warehouses were reportedly demanding to be paid in cash. But the union representing pharmacies said supplies were at the same level as before Saturday’s referendum announcement.