Recently, the number of patients hospitalized due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is increasing. Despite concerns about a re-emergence during the summer, it has been found that COVID-19 treatments are not being supplied smoothly to pharmacies.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 1st, there were 123 COVID-19 hospitalized patients from the 13th to the 19th of last month. This is double the 63 patients reported from June 15 to 21. It is anticipated that the actual scale of the spread is larger than this, as there are cases where individuals with COVID-19 symptoms do not get tested.
Professor Lee Jae-gap from Hallym University Gangnam Sacred Heart Hospital's Infectious Disease Department noted, "The trend of increasing COVID-19 patients is continuing," adding, "One person is hospitalized daily." The Korean Medical Association Organization's Infectious Disease Response Committee stated on the 30th of last month that, "The frequency of movement and contact during the summer vacation period is increasing, and the heat causes crowded indoor spaces with air conditioning, raising concerns about the spread of COVID-19 through respiratory transmission.
With the increase in COVID-19 patients, many people are seeking COVID-19 treatments. According to the National Health Insurance Service, the billed amount for COVID-19 treatments from January to May this year is 9.97 billion won.
The COVID-19 treatments available are Paxlovid, Veklury, and Lagevrio. Paxlovid and Veklury are prescribed for those over 60 years old, while Lagevrio is prescribed for those over 70 years old. Initially, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government directly purchased treatments from pharmaceutical companies for supply. Pharmacies provided these to patients after receiving quantities from health centers.
Currently, the supply structure has changed. Pharmacies have shifted to a private distribution model, purchasing treatments from wholesalers to sell to patients. From October last year, Paxlovid and Veklury have been covered by health insurance. Paxlovid is distributed by Pfizer Korea, while Veklury is handled by Gilead Sciences Korea. Lagevrio is not covered by health insurance and continues to be supplied by the government. Veklury is also being supplied by the government for mild to moderate cases.
Inquiries to pharmacies in the metropolitan area regarding Paxlovid revealed that 6 out of 10 had no stock. One pharmacy said, "We have to pay around 950,000 won to the wholesaler for it," adding, "Although the price is high, the wholesaler does not readily accept returns, making it difficult to manage stock, so we do not sell the treatment." Another pharmacy stated, "There is stock, but just enough for one person to take for about 5 days."
The Infectious Disease Response Committee of the Korean Medical Association Organization requested the government to "quickly check the smooth supply situation of COVID-19 vaccines and antiviral drugs for high-risk groups." A representative from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency mentioned, "There is still some government stock of Paxlovid in certain regions," adding, "Pharmaceutical companies are supplying it while considering the scale of spread during the summer." They also stated, "There is enough government stock for Lagevrio and Veklury."