Hundreds of medicines have been difficult to deliver in Austria for months. The Medical Association sees salvation in an old requirement: the expansion of medicine cabinets.
Once again, the medical association is in favor of expanding the home pharmacies. In 2003, for example, there were more than 200 Styrian doctors who had one and could provide patients with medicines directly, but today there are only 150. The step is not only important to be able to find doctors at all, especially in rural areas, but could also help address current supply bottlenecks, says President Michael Sacherer.
Only doctor can “prescribe alternative means”
As reported, hundreds of drugs have been available in limited quantities for months. But what exactly should the relief look like? “A doctor knows what he currently has in his medicine cabinet and can prescribe an alternative drug – individually tailored to each patient – in case of bottlenecks in the supply of certain drugs,” explains Sacherer. This saves the patient going back and forth between doctor and pharmacy and also prevents delays in taking important medication.
Good for customers and the environment
Vice President Dietmar Bayer sees another advantage: “The expansion would save 19,000 tons of CO₂ per year if people do not have to drive to a community pharmacy to buy their medicines there.”
And according to Karl Heinz Schrötter, advisor for community pharmacies, there is no danger for community pharmacies, which would “still only generate a good 20 percent of their turnover with prescription drugs”. This isn’t the doctors’ first foray into the case. Pharmacist representatives have always vehemently rejected them.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
