Concerns are rising over potential disruptions to pharmaceutical ingredient supplies due to the Middle East conflict, with the Korean Medical Association warning that some healthcare facilities are already experiencing shortages of medical supplies.
The government said there is no immediate supply shortage but pledged to closely monitor the situation and respond swiftly in preparation for a prolonged conflict.
The Korean Medical Association said during a regular briefing on April 2 that the conflict has heightened concerns over disruptions in the supply of pharmaceutical ingredients, as well as the stable provision of medical supplies used in clinical settings.
The association noted growing concerns, particularly regarding packaging materials and basic medical items such as syringes, which are widely used in healthcare institutions. It urged authorities to ensure thorough management across production and distribution processes to prevent disruptions on the front lines.
It also pointed to attempts to unilaterally raise prices of non-reimbursable items not covered by national health insurance.
The association emphasized that price hikes for such items should be restrained during national crises such as COVID-19 or the current situation, noting that these increases are not compensated and rarely reflected in reimbursement fees, placing a direct financial burden on medical institutions.
The government said it is working with relevant ministries to closely monitor and respond to the situation in anticipation of a prolonged conflict.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare said in a statement on April 2 that while there is no immediate shortage, authorities have established a close communication and monitoring system to prepare for potential long-term disruptions.
It added that items with unstable supply conditions are being monitored daily across production, distribution and demand stages, including tracking production rates, inventory levels and price trends.
The ministry also said it is cooperating with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to ensure priority supply of key raw materials such as naphtha for pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
Authorities plan to implement strict administrative guidance and request cooperation to prevent hoarding and stockpiling by medical institutions, pharmacies and wholesalers.
The ministry added that it will consider price support measures to prevent rising raw material costs from affecting production and distribution.
Separately, officials from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy visited pharmaceutical manufacturers on the same day to inspect supply conditions and discuss support measures to ensure continued stable supply of essential medicines, including IV fluids.