Danish Regions (Danske Regioner) is advocating for the development of a contingency plan to guarantee access to the 200 most vital medicines for the healthcare system in the event of supply chain disruptions. The organization emphasized the need for a joint plan with the state to determine the appropriate level of preparedness for Denmark.

Currently, the regions only produce 34 of the 200 critical medicines, relying on external sources for the remainder. This dependence raises concerns about potential shortages during crises.

Mads Duedahl (V), vice chairman of Danish Regions, stated that the plan should outline which essential medicines Denmark should be capable of producing domestically during a crisis, as well as the necessary stock levels. He also highlighted the importance of deciding the extent to which Denmark should rely on supplies from other Nordic countries and Europe.

The 200 critical medicines include those used for anesthesia, infection treatment, pain management, and intensive care. Ensuring a stable supply of these medications is crucial for maintaining public health.

To increase domestic medicine production, the regions emphasize the need to modernize and expand existing facilities, which would require an investment in the billion-kroner range.

The EU is also addressing this issue with a regulation aimed at reducing member states’ reliance on medicines from outside the region.