Shortage of cancer drugs

6.3.2017

Question for written answer E-001508-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Daniel Buda (PPE)

In Romania, there are over 850 000 persons suffering from cancer; 130 patients die daily because of this disease. Out of the total number of persons suffering from cancer, only 100 000 are getting treatment for this disease.

At present, a new shortage of cancer drugs has been identified in Romania. Seven types of treatments for children and 16 for adults are no longer present on the pharmaceutical market. The causes of this situation arise from the problems related to parallel export.

This practice of parallel export has generated a shortage in the stocks of medicines for the domestic market.

Are there any tools which the Commission has at its disposal to support the continuation of these treatments for persons suffering from cancer?