Ministry ends vital drugs shortage

THE Health Ministry has intervened to end shortages of vital drugs and medical equipment reported in the TRNC this week.

Minister Filiz Besim said steps were being taken to renew supplies of opthalmic, thalassaemia and diabetic drugs, and of kits used to test for thyroid and blood disorders.

She announced the action after it was reported that patients needing Cosopt drops to treat high pressure in their eyes had been unable to find them in the pharmacies across the country.

The Cyprus Turkish Pharmacies’ Union head Süay Sevinç told Cyprus Today’s Turkish-language sister paper, Kıbrıs, the shortage was down to production and distribution problems in Turkey.

He said he had no information on when new supplies would come, and advised patients to consult their doctors about using Ganfort drops instead in the meantime.

Dr Besim confirmed that Cosopt had been in short supply for two to three months and that the ministry was in contact with distributors in Turkey.

“We are searching the market Turkey,” she said.

“Following a price hike on drugs there has been a shortage of a series of drugs, including Cosopt eye drops, in Turkey and this has naturally had an adverse impact in our markets too as we are mainly receiving medicines from Turkey.

“However the problem in Turkey is now resolved, so we are hoping to ensure the supply of the medicine very soon.”

She added that the ministry had purchased more supplies of Diamicron and Glucophage, two crucial drugs for diabetics, to overcome shortages at state hospitals.

Dr Besim said steps were also being taken to secure supplies “within days” of thyroid and vitamin B12 testing kits for in state hospitals after complaints that none was available in Gazimağusa.

Gazimağusa State Hospital deputy chief doctor Mustafa Hasoğlan said their stock of kits had been low for several days, leaving them being used only in emergencies, but they were now confident of receiving new supplies.

Dr Besim said the ministry had stepped in as soon as it became aware of the shortage, and added: “I would like to assure patients that if there is any shortage of medical equipment of any type at any state hospital, we will always refer urgent cases to private hospitals or laboratories to ensure no disruption in health care.”

Lefkoşa State Hospital chief doctor Bülent Dizdarlı also revealed that stocks of a vital medicine for thalassemia patients, Desferal, had run short over the last 10 days, but the ministry had taken steps to replenish supplies.