Parallel trade of immunosuppressant medicines in Bulgaria is endangering the lives of transplant patients. While sufficient quantities of these drugs are imported, a significant portion is exported by wholesalers to other countries. This re-export practice deprives local patients of critical medication needed to sustain their organ transplants.
Bulgarian transplant recipients are now looking to future EU pharmaceutical legislation for a solution. They blame state authorities in Sofia for failing to protect their rights and ensure adequate drug supplies. Patient advocates argue that the shortage is a direct result of ineffective policies regarding drug distribution and export regulations.
Advocates emphasize the urgent need for a comprehensive national strategy to address the issue. Ivan Dimitrov, chairman of the Bulgarian Patient Forum, highlighted that nearly all immunosuppressant drugs have been re-exported over the past decade. Despite repeated warnings to government institutions, no effective action has been taken to stop the exports or resolve the shortages.
Immunosuppressant medicines are vital for transplant patients as they prevent the immune system from rejecting the transplanted organs. Without these drugs, patients risk life-threatening complications, jeopardizing the success of organ transplants and increasing the number of patients on transplant waiting lists.
Ivan Dimitrov stressed the gravity of the situation, pointing out that patients are being left without necessary medication. He noted that the ongoing shortages also discourage organ donations and hamper efforts to manage transplant registrations effectively.
