Critical Medication Shortage Sparks Healthcare Concerns in Azerbaijan

Baku/15.10.23/Turan: Azerbaijan is facing a severe healthcare crisis, with Chairman of the Association of Doctors of Azerbaijan, Aydin Aliyev, denouncing the suspension, two months ago, of the free distribution of the drug Norditrofin (Nordiflex) to patients by the Association for the Management of Medical Territorial Units  (TƏBIB). TƏBIB's rationale for this decision was the discontinuation of Norditrofin's production by Novo Nordisk, the drug's manufacturer.

Norditrofin plays a vital role in compensating for the body's inability to synthesize growth hormone, a deficiency that leads to dwarfism in affected children. While TƏBIB pledged to secure an alternative drug supply, the urgency of this matter cannot be overstated. Children afflicted by this condition require weekly doses of Norditrofin to prevent detrimental consequences. Skeletal growth ceases by the age of 15-16, and any interruptions in treatment can lead to irreversible damage. To ensure their children's well-being, parents have been compelled to purchase Norditrofin from pharmacies at a cost of 200-250 manats per dose per week, accumulating to an exorbitant 800-1000 manats per month. Unfortunately, not all families can bear this financial burden, leaving many in debt.

 In an interview with Turan, Aydin Aliyev raised several pertinent questions: Why do some pharmacies have Norditrofin, why do some families still receive it for free from TƏBIB, and why didn't TƏBIB expedite deliveries from another manufacturer in a timely manner, especially when suppliers typically notify customers in advance of impending supply shortages? Dr. Aliyev expressed his belief that TƏBIB may be unfairly shifting blame onto a foreign pharmaceutical company.

Dr. Aliyev further revealed that approximately 1200-1500 families in Azerbaijan have children experiencing growth-related disabilities, emphasizing that discontinuing their weekly medication could halt their growth entirely. Boys and girls may require Norditrofin until the age of 15-16, after which it becomes contraindicated.

Patients under Dr. Aliyev's care confirmed the lack of free medication provision over the past two months. In a disconcerting disclosure, they also reported that Norditrofin drugs are being imported to Azerbaijan for athletes who use them in high doses to stimulate growth development.

In response to Turan's inquiries, TƏBIB explained that children's growth hormone medications are supplied by the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. Between 2020 and 2023, 1,500 children received this medication. However, due to a global shortage of raw materials for producing such drugs, the company halted supplies two months ago. TƏBIB assured that it is actively working to address the issue, with plans for the Republican Endocrinology Center to procure medications from an alternative company starting next month.

Official statistics underscore a concerning decline in the growth of boys and girls, particularly in rural areas, primarily attributed to an imbalanced diet. This issue stems from the low incomes of the population, making it challenging for families to meet even the minimum standards of a consumer basket. Despite Azerbaijan's status as an oil-rich state, the problem of lagging physical development in children persists, with the necessary measures to address the issue falling short.--0--