Mansour Alimardani, a member of the Health and Treatment Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, stated that the number of drug items facing shortages has decreased to less than 100. Although shortages of some specific medications still exist and there is a need for necessary actions to secure them, the reduction in the number of items facing shortages indicates the measures that have been taken in this regard.
Financial Challenges of Pharmacies
Alimardani cited the reduction of working capital as one of the main reasons for the drug shortage in pharmacies. He said: "One of the main problems for pharmacies is that insurance companies have not paid their claims for a long time, and on the other hand, the increase in drug prices has led to a rise in the capital needed for the procurement and storage of medications."
This parliament representative added: "When pharmacies' claims from insurance companies are not paid, their financial capacity to purchase medications again decreases, and this causes patients to face shortages even if the medication exists in the supply chain of the country when they visit."
The Importance of Sustainable Drug Supply
Alimardani also emphasized that the decreasing financial resilience of pharmacies should be considered as one of the important factors when examining the reasons for drug shortages. He noted: "If pharmacies are forced to sell some medications freely or refuse to accept insurance to secure their working capital, this issue can severely affect patients' access to medications."
He also explained the differences in reported statistics regarding drug shortages, stating that even a shortage of a limited number of medications can be problematic for patients who need specific drugs. Therefore, ensuring a sustainable supply of necessary medications for patients is of great importance.
Import of Psychiatric Medications
Alimardani, referring to the import of pharmaceutical raw materials from India in recent weeks, said: "With the arrival of this shipment, some of the problems in supplying psychiatric medications will be resolved, and it is expected that access to some of these medications will improve."
This parliament representative also explained the 100% to 500% increase in the prices of some medications, stating that in the budget for 2026, the currency needed for drugs and pharmaceutical raw materials has been considered at the same amount as the preferential currency. He continued that neither the allocated amount for drugs has changed nor has its quantity increased.
Alimardani concluded by emphasizing that to reduce the problems of people's access to medications, in addition to securing raw materials and continuing production and imports, pharmacies' claims from insurance companies must be paid on time to enable the replenishment of medications and maintain their inventory.
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