Danielle Becker-Bauer, vice president of the Pharmacists’ Syndicate, explained that temporary delivery shortages of paracetamol occurred over the last two weeks. Cough syrup for children based on paracetamol was not available, among other things. However, she underlined that alternative solutions were always found.
Contrary to French health authorities, who stopped the export of paracetamol and told pharmacists to limit orders in mid July, the one’s in Luxembourg’s have not put out any special advice on how to handle the situation. Nevertheless, stocks are continuously being monitored so that they can still react if necessary. At the moment, it is estimated that the supply issues will be resolved by the end of August.
Luxembourg receives paracetamol deliveries from Belgium and Germany, two countries that were also affected by the supply shortages. Reason for situation are production issues on the one hand and a high demand related to Covid-19 on the other hand.
According to Becker-Bauer, the current situation draws attention to the problematic dependence on third-party countries in sensitive areas such as health care. Luxembourg should therefore consider creating more opportunities for pharmaceutical companies to establish parts of their operations in the Grand Duchy.
