Health Ministry proposes tighter control of drug stocks at drug wholesalers

RIGA - The Health Ministry proposes introduction of an electronic inventory system at drug wholesalers to improve monitoring of drug stocks in the country and timely identify risks of drug shortages, the ministry informed LETA.

The ministry will also propose that pharmacies submit their orders to wholesalers only electronically, and also provide such information to the State Agency of Medicines.

The ministry is planning to control the export process of medicines to other countries in order to limit wholesalers' export of medicines compensated by the state, should there be a shortage of such medicines. Similar procedures are already in place in other European Union member countries, the Health Ministry points out.

The ministry also intends to facilitate distribution of unregistered medicines in cases where registered medicines of a given type are unavailable. This would provide patients with better access to medication in non-standard situations, believes the Health Ministry.

The amendments will be reviewed at a meeting of state secretaries on Thursday.