The drug that is most suitable for keeping covid patients anesthetized is called propofol. Since many seriously ill covid patients need to be anesthetized for a long time, the supply is great and several hospitals in the Stockholm area have previously warned of a shortage of the drug.

Now the Academic Hospital in Uppsala must also meddle with the medicine and try to find different solutions. Among other things, the hospital has contacted the National Veterinary Institute, SVA.

"We are investigating all possibilities for obtaining, in particular, propofol for healthcare," writes the Academic Hospital's drug supply, for example in an email to SVA.

SVA replies that they have no stock of the preparation, and therefore can not help.

Animal clinics help

On the other hand, Akademiska has already taken the help of animal clinics who have heard from themselves and been able to contribute propofol.

- We have gratefully accepted that. And that's no wonder at all - some animal clinics have propofol for human use, but used on animals. And if we were forced to use propofol that was produced for animals, it would also work well - it contains the same substances, says Hans Sjöberg, chief pharmacist at Akademiska hospital.

The lack of propofol is a global problem, but production may increase in Sweden over time.

- I know that Apotekens Production Laboratory, APL, is looking at that opportunity right now, says Hans Sjöberg.

But for now, Akademiska must keep up with the anesthetic.

- The message to the various activities at the hospital is to carefully look at the occasions when other anesthetic drugs can be used, says Hans Sjöberg.