Small pharmacies to sue state over delayed drug deliveries

Owners of small pharmacies in Czechia plan to sue the state, citing distributors’ refusal or delays in delivering essential medicines. Despite having the drugs in stock, distributors allegedly refuse to supply them or demand high delivery fees. Pharmacists argue that the State Institute for Drug Control (SÚKL) fails to enforce distribution obligations. "We can’t secure the drug within two days, and the situation is unbearable," said Marek Hampel, head of the pharmacy owners' association. The pharmacies’ legal action targets individual cases of delayed deliveries, highlighting ongoing supply chain issues.