site.btaBan on Exporting Insulin and Some Antibiotics Extended until July 17

Caretaker Minister of Health Galya Kondeva has ordered a month's extension to the ban on exporting insulin and its analogues, and other medicines reducing the blood sugar level. The same applies to antibiotics designed for regular use by children. The new order is effective from June 17 until July 17, the Health Ministry said in a press release on Monday

The ministry reasoned that, although it is not illegal, the export of medicinal products for the treatment of diabetes and antibacterial medicinal products for regular use, along with supply delays, upsets the balance between the availability of medicinal products in Bulgaria and the increased demand for them in view of meeting the health needs of the people.

New data from checks show irregular supplies and delays or refusals on the part of wholesalers to deliver products requested by pharmacies.

On November 2, 2023, the then minister of health Hristo Hinkov banned the export of insulin and its analogues as well as antibiotics designed for regular use for medical treatment of children. The move followed reports about a shortage of insulin and antibiotics, and responded to the need to make such medicines available to Bulgarian patients. Since then, the ban has been extended several times, each time by a month.