Venezuela to face severe medicine shortage due to US sanctions, flight suspensions

Venezuela's healthcare system is heavily reliant on imported raw materials and equipment, and most hospitals typically have only enough stock to last ten to fifteen days, according to Huniades Urbina-Medina, president of the National Academy of Medicine of Venezuela.

If the flight suspensions continue, Venezuela may face a shortage of emergency medical supplies, he said.

"That means if the issues with the passenger and cargo flights persist, we are likely to experience noticeable shortages of medicines, monitoring equipment and other medical essentials within a month, or two at most. These circumstances will inevitably impact our healthcare system and ultimately affect Venezuelan patients," said Urbina-Medina.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), top aviation regulator of the United States, issued on Nov 21 a warning to major airlines flying over Venezuela, highlighting dangers from a "potentially hazardous situation" due to the "worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around" the South American country.

Venezuela later revoked the operating rights of six major international airlines that had suspended flights to the country after the FAA warning.

The Venezuelan Pharmaceutical Industry Chamber said about 40 to 60 percent of the country's medicines depend on imported finished drugs. However, declining foreign exchange reserves have already restricted the volume of drug imports, making medicines one of the most urgently needed items for Venezuelans.

Since last year, a severe shortage of imported medicines in Venezuela has made it difficult for pharmacies to meet public demand.

In the capital city of Caracas, residents queue up outside pharmacies, hoping to purchase medicines.

"The drugs my doctor prescribed are basically unavailable now. Like many others, I'm running around to search for medicines, but there's nothing to be found. I can only call my doctor to ask if there are any alternative medications available," said Jennifer, a resident in Caracas.

Faced with the sanctions from the United States, the Venezuelan government is seeking to ease tensions through diplomatic channels.

It is also exploring new reliable supply chains by cooperating with pharmaceutical companies in the neighboring country of Brazil.