In addition to the 8th wave of the new corona, influenza has entered the nationwide epidemic season, but pharmacies in Tokyo that accept prescriptions are facing a serious shortage of medicines such as sore throats, so the type has been changed. We continue to take measures such as giving medicine in two batches.
Regarding the supply of pharmaceuticals, there has been a series of administrative sanctions against manufacturers of generic drugs that were discovered to have manufacturing irregularities, and supply shortages continue. are difficult to obtain in some medical institutions and pharmacies.
At pharmacies in Toshima Ward, Tokyo, the number of prescriptions for influenza patients in addition to new corona patients has increased since the middle of last month, but there is a shortage of medicines to suppress inflammation of the throat, medicines to improve phlegm, and cough suppressants. However, there are some medicines that only have enough for one person for one week.
We make inquiries with multiple contracted wholesalers to ensure inventory, but if we are unable to dispense the medicine as prescribed, we may change the type of medicine after consulting with the patient or doctor, or divide the medicine into two doses. In addition to handing out the drug, we also contact nearby pharmacies and introduce them if they have them in stock.
In addition, we sell over-the-counter medicines such as antipyretics, but we are limiting the number that can be purchased because there are few arrivals.
Takako Ihara, a pharmacist at Sun Pharmacy Tokiwa-dori, said, "The other day, I couldn't prepare the amount that was prescribed, so I declined the prescription for the first time. As a pharmacist, I'm really sorry. So please understand," he said.
Voices from doctors in the field asking for support from the government
Doctors on the ground are calling for the government to help improve supplies.
At the clinic in Kita Ward, Tokyo, we have a fever outpatient clinic for the new corona, and we also test for influenza.
While the number of patients with the new corona has calmed down compared to the peak of the year-end and New Year holidays, the number of influenza patients has increased since the beginning of the year, mainly among the young generation.
However, cough medicine prescribed in the hospital and medicine to suppress inflammation of the throat continue to be unable to arrive.
In particular, it is said that there are more opportunities to see patients with prolonged symptoms such as cough and sputum, but it is said that the situation where the medicine necessary for treatment cannot be issued at the appropriate time continues.
In addition, it is said that there are a series of cases where patients cannot receive prescribed medicines because they are out of stock at pharmacies. It means that we are responding by giving advice to do so.
Hiromichi Ito, director of Ito Oji Kamiya Internal Medicine and Surgery Clinic, said, "Neither of these is a perfect method, and it is not a problem that can be overcome with alternative measures. I want you to do it."
The response of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare
As the supply of medicines continues to be in short supply, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has set up a consultation desk for medical institutions and pharmacies. In such cases, we provide support by requesting sales from other vendors who have stock.
In addition, pharmaceutical companies are being requested to increase production of antipyretic analgesics, and wholesalers are being asked to give priority to small-scale pharmacies with low inventories. We are asking drugstores and pharmacies to limit the number of products that can be purchased per person to prevent supply shortages.
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said, "We would like to take necessary measures to ensure the smooth supply of pharmaceuticals."