Health minister states that there are enough pharmaceutical supplies to cover demand

Generic medication with the same therapeutic value is fully available for children, Health Minister Thanos Plevris said on Wednesday, seeking to reassure parents about shortages, particularly of inhalers and syrups.

"I understand parents' concerns, and what I am saying is that there is full availability of medication - not necessarily original drugs, but generic ones with the same therapeutic value," said the health minister during a press conference.

Plevris said that in the last few months there has been a 25% to 30% rise in specific drugs due to a significantly higher number of infections. The major shortages were registered mostly in antifever medication, antibiotics, and pulmonary-related ailments, particularly in inhalers and syrups, as well as in children's medication, he said.

Distribution and availability would improve after the holidays with "no...