Shortages of three pharmaceutical preparations available through the General Health System have been recorded recently and are mainly attributed to the inability of suppliers to deliver the required quantities within the set schedules.
These are drugs that are given to patients with chronic conditions, such as psychiatric disorders, thyroid disorders and some types of cancer.
More serious seems to be the shortage of the 5mg preparation Carbimazole, which is administered to treat hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease. According to the relevant information, which the doctors received, his redeployment is expected on January 1, 2027.
The Organization, however, proceeded with an urgent supply of alternative preparations, while there are other options available to meet the absolutely necessary needs. To make this possible and not leave patients uncovered, doctors are asked to issue new prescriptions.
Deficiency is also observed in the drug Seroquel XR 50mg, which is mainly used in patients with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and depression. The HIO notes in its relevant information that the redistribution of the drug is expected on June 10, 2026, while so far it has not been possible to secure stocks from other sources.
Finally, there is also a shortage of Epirubicin, an injectable drug administered mainly to oncology patients, including breast cancer treatments. The HIO states that this is a temporary shortage due to non-timely information from the company and that procedures are already underway to secure quantities from Greece in the coming days. It is reported that some quantity may reach Cyprus even today.
It is reported that shortages of pharmaceutical preparations are observed quite often, however, when the specified procedures are followed and the companies are informed before the complete depletion of stocks, the HIO and the Ministry of Health promote the necessary procedures to secure quantities from other sources.
For all three specific preparations, urgent procedures have also been promoted and doctors will be informed of their availability as soon as possible.
