Baltics states likely to face drug shortages this year

The former Soviet states of the Baltics region are experiencing a serious shortage of drugs, caused by a sharp increase in respiratory diseases in the region, as well as the lack of production capacity and raw materials for meeting growing demand.

According to local analysts, the existing bureaucracy, as well as disruption of logistics chains, which began during the pandemic and intensified during the current Russia and Ukraine conflict, are among the other problems that have led to the shortage of drugs in the Baltics region.

Prior to February 24, 2022, when the invasion of Ukraine was launched, many leading Baltics drugmakers purchased packaging and other raw materials for their production both in Russia and Ukraine. However, currently most of these deliveries are suspended.