Coronavirus: the FAMHP monitors stocks of medicines using a new tool

date: 11/05/2021

Close monitoring of medicine stocks proved particularly useful during the COVID-19 pandemic. The FAMHP managed to act proactively and find solutions in time. The monitoring was done manually, but is now automated using a new Stock Monitoring Tool.

Thanks to the latter, the data is automatically forwarded to the FAMHP by authorisation holders (manufacturers), parallel distributors and wholesaler-distributors. The new tool enables faster analysis by the FAMHP, so that medicine stocks approaching shortage can be identified more quickly and that, in case of problems, there is also a better overview of the availability of alternative medicines.

The tool will now be used for all medicines against COVID-19.

Addressing the unavailability of medicines
This new tool is yet another tool developed by the FAMHP to find solutions to the unavailability of medicines. Earlier this month, the FAMHP launched the new release of PharmaStatus, the online application that provides information about the availability of medicines in Belgium. The new release offers additional features and is extended to pharmacists and wholesaler-distributors.

These digital tools for the intensive monitoring of stocks of specific medicines and potential unavailabilities are only part of the actions taken by the FAMHP to address the unavailability of medicines. Every unavailability is analysed on the basis of a decision tree, legislative initiatives and, as this is a worldwide problem, on the basis of systemic consultation and information exchange at European level in order to find common solutions.

Practical information for authorisation holders, parallel distributors and wholesaler-distributors
As of 25.05.2021, the weekly transfer of files will be replaced by the use of the Stock Monitoring Tool. Users will receive more information by e-mail.

 

Last updated on 11/05/2021