Bulgaria blocks medicine exports amid stockpile surplus

The Bulgarian government has faced accusations of unlawfully blocking the export of essential medicines, including insulin and antibiotics, despite having sufficient stockpiles. Restrictions on insulin exports began in October 2023, followed by a ban on antibiotics for children in April 2024. The Bulgarian Association for Medicines Parallel Trade Development has raised concerns that these actions violate EU law and have urged the European Commission to take action. Currently, Bulgaria's stock of medicines is adequate to meet the needs of its patients for five months, significantly exceeding the threshold for export bans. The country has also restricted the export of Ozempic, despite having a six-month supply. Critics argue that halting exports contradicts EU policies, especially when other member states face shortages. The Bulgarian Medicines Act imposes hefty fines for exporting prohibited products, which has led the government to impose temporary bans on insulin exports monthly to avoid permanent restrictions. This situation has raised alarms about the implications for public health and the availability of critical medicines across the EU. The ongoing negotiations regarding the pharma package are addressing the issue of medicine shortages and the complexities of parallel trade. The situation highlights the tension between national policies and EU regulations, as well as the need for a coordinated approach to ensure the availability of essential medicines across member states.