Targeted measures lead to significant decline in Dutch medicine shortages

Medicine shortages have eased considerably in 2025, dropping by about a third compared with 2024, according to a report from healthcare consultancy SiRM. Prepared for the industry group BG Pharma, the report suggests a turning point in the persistent challenges with drug availability.

The most notable improvements were in medicines where wholesalers had increased stock, including commonly used drugs like painkillers and blood pressure medications.

Some critical medicines, such as antibiotics, also saw better availability. “For the first time, targeted measures are genuinely reducing medicine shortages and providing more certainty for patients,” says BG Pharma chairman Max Wachter.

Since mid-2024, the number of medicine shortages has been decreasing, and extended shortages are becoming less common.

Medicine shortages are a complicated, global issue influenced by international supply chains, manufacturing processes, and market forces. Key contributing factors include dependence on raw materials and production in Asia, quality problems, and supply chain disruptions.

Several measures are being taken to address medicine shortages, including increasing wholesaler stockpiles, enhancing shortage monitoring and reporting systems, and improving coordination among regulators, wholesalers, and healthcare providers to identify and tackle shortages promptly.

Medicine shortages may force changes in treatment or cause longer pharmacy wait times as alternatives are sought, potentially impacting adherence, patient health, and experience, particularly for people with chronic illnesses.