Months ago, pediatrician George Zabaneh warned of the drug shortage. Now he speaks plain text in the “Krone” interview.
“It’s a terrible situation,” said pediatrician George Zabaneh, who is also president of the Vienna Medical Association. 600 drugs that are the normal standard are not currently available in the country. It is especially bad for the children in the private sector.
Doctor, what about the shortage of medicines in pediatrics?
I can only speak of the established sector. Countless colleagues and patients called today only because they were no longer receiving medication. We only have three antibiotics left: Amoxycilin plus clavulanic acid, Zithromax and Amoxycilin, which are only available in the child dosage. If I have to prescribe this antibiotic to a toddler, I will need different packs depending on the weight. In an emergency, these are again missing in infants. Mexalen is no longer available in suppository form and inhalation therapies are also scarce. It’s drug juggling that would have been absurd just a few years ago.
How dangerous is that?
Any bacterial infection, if not adequately treated, can lead to blood poisoning. In addition, prescribing broad-spectrum antibiotics leads to many bacteria becoming resistant to the antibiotics over time.
What about the parents of sick children?
Of course very difficult. The child is sick and you are not even allowed to give painkillers or fever reducers. I know parents who go to Lower Austria and go to countless pharmacies to get medicines.
Should you panic now?
No. Of course we try everything and in case of emergency you can have the children treated in the hospital. I call on parents not to stock up on antibiotics. She misses those who need them.
How do you get the situation under control?
It’s political here. The most important medicines must be made in the country again. And the cheap purchasing policy must eventually be changed again.
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.
