Bratislava – A looming shortage of insulin is raising alarm bells across Europe, with Slovakia‘s health minister warning of potential disruptions to treatment for diabetics. The concern stems from a planned production halt by a major manufacturer, threatening access to a life-sustaining medication for millions, particularly in central Europe, and prompting urgent discussions among regional health officials [[1]]. While officials seek short-term solutions, longer-term shifts in insulin production-including a transition to analog insulins-are expected to require patients to potentially switch medications beginning in 2026.
BRATISLAVA – Europe is facing a significant insulin shortage, and Slovakia is not immune. The country’s health minister has raised concerns that diabetics could be left without medication with little notice.
Health Minister Kamil Šaško warned that a planned production halt by one insulin manufacturer could create a critical shortage, particularly in Central Europe. The potential disruption threatens access to a vital medication for millions across the continent.
“That decision by the manufacturer, which will come at some point – by the end of next year – will create a significant problem. And it will be a significant problem especially for the Central European region,” Šaško said.
Šaško stated he raised the alarm about a potential European insulin shortage last year, but the issue failed to gain traction within the European Union. He now intends to initiate discussions with the Visegrád Group (V4) – Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia – to prevent patients from being left without access to insulin by the end of 2024.
“This problem is simply coming, and it’s coming very soon. It will be a significant problem for our region. Therefore, we will initiate this discussion at the V4 level, so that our diabetics and patients who rely on insulin are not left without medication overnight, because that is the real situation we are in,” he said, adding that action taken less than two months before the end of next year will be too late.
Martina Vulganová, director of the pharmacy and drug policy section at the Slovak Ministry of Health, sought to reassure patients currently using human insulin. “In 2026, insulin will definitely be secured throughout the period,” she said.
The ministry also plans to intervene to prevent insulin from being diverted away from Slovak patients. However, the situation beyond 2026 remains uncertain. Vulganová explained that several manufacturers have announced plans to discontinue production of certain insulins after 2026, transitioning to analog insulins. This will likely mean patients will need to switch to a different type of insulin.
