Actually, Naghme Kamaleyan-SchmiedVice President and Chairwoman of the Association of General Practitioners in the Medical Association of Vienna, will be speaking at a press conference on Tuesday about a new “pop-up pilot project” to close the gaps in basic medical care. But because this idea is still a long way from being a concrete offer, the media representatives’ interest focused on a current threat.
And then it broke out of the general practitioner, who was in Wien-Floridsdorf an ordination, says: “This is a tragedy in my ordination.” Crownbut also Flu and whooping cough would “overwhelm us this winter”.
Die Wastewater measurements would be “disastrous”, the number of infections in the practice is rising: “To be honest, I am afraid of the next few months.”
Again and again she has to sick patients send them home empty-handed, “because the costs of a Covid testing cannot afford it”. Without a positive test result, however, she as a doctor is not allowed to administer the expensive medication (“1300 to 1400 euros”) according to the health insurance contract.
Free trial again?
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Andreas HussChairman of the Austrian Health Insurance Fundtook note of the dramatic description of the Viennese doctor sitting next to her on the podium – and then promised that the Covid testing will soon be free again should be, at least for Risk patients.
When asked when exactly this could happen, Russ explained: “Discussions with the Medical Association are ongoing. I hope that in the next few days will be ready.” However, this hope is not entirely new.
The Looming Threat of Medicines Shortages Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, a new crisis is emerging: the shortage of medicines to treat its symptoms. According to a study published in 2023, there has been an increase in shortage notifications for COVID-19-relevant medicines in the first months of the pandemic [[1]]. This shortage has far-reaching consequences, not only for patients but also for healthcare professionals like Naghme Kamaleyan-Schmied, who is worried about the upcoming winter season.
The Rise of Respiratory Infections
Doctors like Kamaleyan-Schmied are bracing themselves for a tough winter, with respiratory infections like flu, whooping cough, and COVID-19 expected to overwhelm healthcare systems. The situation is dire, with wastewater measurements indicating a “disastrous” rise in infections. In Vienna, Kamaleyan-Schmied’s ordination in Wien-Floridsdorf is already feeling the strain, with a surge in patients seeking treatment for these illnesses.
The Cost of COVID-19 Testing
The shortage of medicines is not the only challenge healthcare professionals face. The cost of COVID-19 testing is prohibitively expensive, making it inaccessible to many patients. Kamaleyan-Schmied often has to send sick patients home without treatment, simply because they cannot afford the cost of testing. This is a tragedy, not only for the patients but also for the doctors who are forced to turn them away.
The Problem of Medicines Shortages
The shortage of medicines is not a new problem. As Dr. AG Shuman notes in a 2020 article, “Shortages of essential medications have plagued patients and clinicians long before the COVID-19 pandemic” [[3]]. However, the pandemic has exacerbated the issue, with many countries struggling to keep up with demand.
The Consequences of Medicines Shortages
The consequences of medicines shortages are far-reaching. Patients are forced to go without treatment, leading to prolonged suffering and even death. Healthcare professionals are left feeling helpless, unable to provide the care their patients need. The shortage of medicines also has economic consequences, with patients forced to seek more expensive treatment options or travel long distances to access medication.
The Need for Action
The shortage of medicines is a call to action. Governments, healthcare professionals, and pharmaceutical companies must work together to address this crisis. This includes increasing production, improving supply chain management, and providing affordable testing options. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the weaknesses in our healthcare systems, and it is up to us to take action to address them.
Conclusion
As the world continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, the shortage of medicines is a looming threat. It is a crisis that requires immediate attention and action. By working together, we can ensure that patients receive the treatment they need, and that healthcare professionals are able to provide the care they want to give. The pandemic has shown us the importance of preparedness and collaboration; let us learn from it and take action to address the shortage of medicines.
The Looming Threat of Medicines Shortages Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, a new crisis is emerging: the shortage of medicines to treat its symptoms. According to a study published in 2023, there has been an increase in shortage notifications for COVID-19-relevant medicines in the first months of the pandemic [[1]]. This shortage has far-reaching consequences, not only for patients but also for healthcare professionals
