Introduction of EU guideline on optimal and rational supply of medicines in public health emergency

Abstract

To ensure the stable supply of medicines in European Union (EU) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency, EU has published Guidelines on the optimal and rational supply of medicines to avoid shortages during the COVID-19 outbreak in April 2020. This guideline aimed to prompt EU Member States with concrete actions for the stable supply of medicines during the public health emergency. The guideline focused on the rational supply, allocation and use of medicines to treat COVID-19 patients but also covered any medicine at risk of shortage due to the pandemic. The main content of this guideline is introduced, which is expected to provide reference for perfecting the public health system of China.