Kim Fairley, assistant professor of Business Economics, shared an opinion in the NRC with an economic analysis on the current medication shortages. In it, she took a look at the broader economic factors behind medication shortages. In the article, titled ‘Soon this medicine pot too will be empty’, Fairley highlights how global market forces and manufacturing problems contribute to the shortage of essential medicines. Her contribution has attracted attention not only in academic, but also in social and policy circles.
On 24 September, Kim Fairley was invited for an interview with NPO Radio 1. Here, Fairley shares how she received the shocking announcement that her son's medicine, which he desperately needs for his treatment, was not available due to supply problems. ‘Sorry ma'am, your son's medicine is not available,’ it sounded, and although as an economist she knows well the theory behind such problems, she was now experiencing for herself how harrowing the practice can be.
Fairley indicated that from her academic work she understands the complexities of supply chains and medication shortages, but that the experience as a parent still added another dimension. ‘It hits you hard when it comes to your own child. It was an eye-opener to see how vulnerable care can be when medicines are not available,’ Fairley said.
Read the article in NRC here.(only in Dutch)
Listen to the interview from NPO Radio 1 here(only in Dutch)