The survey conducted by SVT News shows that it is common that typical medicines are not in stock at pharmacies. Social Minister Lena Hallengren (S) says the situation is "incredibly agitating":

- We know that residual listings have increased, but we also know that pharmacies hold less stock and have less preparedness. This is something that we work with.

Problems already seven years ago

Already in 2012 SVT audited the pharmacies and was then able to point out problems with the availability of medicines. Lena Hallengren believes that there are two main reasons why there are still shortcomings.

One, she says, is dealing with international residuals due to lack of the right substances. The second reason is the stock keeping at Swedish pharmacies, despite the fact that there is a "clear expectation from the policy" with clear rules.

- It has undoubtedly become more difficult since the re-regulation when we do not have a state monopoly and a large state pharmacy that can send medicines, and which can reduce the financial risk it involves taking expensive drugs.

"Their duty to deliver drugs"

The deregulation took place ten years ago and you have been in power for much of the time after that, shouldn't your government be able to improve this issue?

- We are working on this issue and the Swedish Medicines Agency is currently working on a platform that will be ready by the beginning of next year, to ensure that the cooperation and collaboration between the various players is increased.

- It is clear that it is much more complex when there are many small pharmacies that look at their profit margins and who do not take medicines that you may not think you get sold. This is a huge problem, and we also have a contingency study that looks at how to make sure that this is solved and handled better - while the pressure on pharmacies must increase, because it is their duty to deliver medicines.