Ministry of Health bans insulin exports

Minister of Health, prof. Hristo Hinkov, issued an order banning the export of insulin drugs. The order comes into force today, 2 November, and will be valid until 31 December 2023, the ministry said.

In addition to insulins and analogues, other blood sugar-lowering drugs and antibiotics intended for systemic use in childhood are also banned from export.

In view of the increasing reports for shortages of medicines in pharmacies, the Ministry of Health requested a reference from "Information Services" AD on the prescribed and dispensed medicines with electronic prescription.

The data is extremely worrying, showing a significant backlog in the number of medicines dispensed compared to those prescribed. For some of these, the dispensing is 0%, 24% and 42%. The average fill rate for e-prescriptions was 59%.

The main objective of this Order is to ensure that the needs of Bulgarian patients are met and to address the lack or shortage of vital medicines. The duration of the prohibition and the specific medicinal products are determined in strict compliance with the principle of proportionality, in order to protect the health of the population and in compliance with the prohibition of arbitrary discrimination or a covered restriction on trade between Member States of the European Union.

In addition, and in connection with the numerous inquiries concerning e-prescription, we inform you that Minister Hinkov will initiate a joint meeting between the Bulgarian Medical Association, the Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Union, and other stakeholders. The aim of the meeting will be to seek mechanisms to overcome the differences of the parties involved in the process and to seek consensus for the benefit of the patient in a constructive dialogue.