Holding Public-Private Consultative Body on Antipyretic Analgesic Supply Response: "Supply Volume Exceeds Target"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwanju] On the morning of the 23rd, the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety held the 3rd public-private consultative meeting at City Tower in Jung-gu, Seoul, to discuss the supply and demand trends and response measures for antipyretic analgesics.

The meeting was chaired by Lim In-taek, Director of Health and Medical Policy at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, with attendees including Jeong Hyun-cheol, Vice President of the Korean Pharmaceutical Association, Jang Byeong-won, Vice President of the Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association, and Kim Deok-jung, Vice President of the Korea Pharmaceutical Distribution Association.

At the meeting, recent supply status of antipyretic analgesics, distribution-related measures, supply details, and trends in pharmacies and the pharmaceutical industry were shared. According to the supply report analysis from the Pharmaceutical Management Comprehensive Information Center, the total supply volume of acetaminophen (AAP) for dispensing by manufacturers and importers increased from 17.01 million tablets in the 3rd week of November and 12.53 million tablets in the 4th week to 31.7 million tablets in the 1st week of this month, 22.01 million tablets in the 2nd week, and 17.79 million tablets in the 3rd week, and the supply volume from wholesalers to pharmacies also showed an increase. The authorities believe that since this supply volume exceeds the initial target level of 16.61 million tablets, if the supply trend continues, the supply and demand issues will improve.

Meanwhile, the meeting also shared measures regarding the 'clomiphene citrate' formulation (one company's product registered for insurance) used for ovulation induction in infertility caused by ovulation disorders, which was found to have unstable supply due to production suspension caused by low profitability in pharmaceutical companies. Considering the urgent supply shortage situation due to the lack of alternative drugs with the same ingredient, the Ministry of Health and Welfare decided to proceed with a prompt price ceiling adjustment procedure.

Director Lim said, "We will continuously monitor the supply and demand situation of antipyretic analgesics during the winter through the public-private consultative body," adding, "In preparation for the winter influenza epidemic, we will continuously monitor the supply status to ensure that antipyretic analgesics are supplied appropriately where needed, and through continuous communication between the government and the private sector, we will do our best to ensure that the public can safely receive the necessary medicines."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.