The demand for psychiatric drugs and sedatives within the healthcare system has experienced a significant surge in the past two weeks, largely influenced by the ongoing conflict in the southern region of Israel. In a conversation with the Israeli financial paper "Calcalist," David Pepo, Chairman of the Pharmacists' Association, shed light on this issue. He stated, "There is no increase in the use of psychiatric drugs that require a prescription, but there is a significant increase in the number of patients who require prescriptions to be filled for two to three months. They are hoarding more out of fear that there will be a shortage." Pepo revealed that demand increased by 10% to 20% compared to the previous month.
The concerns of patients are not without reason, as a senior official within the healthcare system shared that several factors contribute to this unease. These factors include the current customs difficulties, a sharp decrease in flight availability (since most medicines are transported by air), and bureaucratic challenges within the Ministry of Health.
These words will never compare to the torture and pain many victims underwent.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 26, 2023
This is a testimony from a volunteer in Zaka—Israel’s disaster victim identification organization—regarding the Oct. 7 massacre. pic.twitter.com/sn2Kjiwcvn
Sharon Almkays, Director of the Pharmacy Department at the Israeli United Health Fund, reported an even more substantial surge in demand, closer to 30%, in the last two weeks. She emphasized that the heightened demand is not solely due to increased drug consumption. "The increase in demand is not only due to an increase in the consumption of drugs, and just as people stockpile water in emergencies and clear the shelves in supermarkets, so they also feel the need to stock up on drugs, just in case," Almkays explained. She stressed that there is currently no shortage of medicines, and the healthcare system can adequately meet all demands. Therefore, there is no necessity to rush and hoard medications unnecessarily at home.
OPERATIONAL UPDATE: The IDF conducted strikes on Hamas terrorist targets over the last 24 hours.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 27, 2023
IDF ground troops, fighter jets and UAVs struck:
🔴 Anti-tank missile launch sites
🔴 Command & control centers
🔴 Hamas terrorist operatives
The troops exited the area and no… pic.twitter.com/yNdiY6XTby
Dr. Zvi Fishel, Chairman of the National Mental Health Council, pointed out that new patients seeking assistance have emerged during this challenging period. These individuals can be found in evacuation centers, reaching out to health insurance funds, and visiting hospital clinics. However, estimating their exact numbers remains difficult at this stage. The acute stress response to trauma, known as 'acute stress reaction,' often results in symptoms of anxiety and sleep disturbances, which may explain the increased sales of sedatives.
Dr. Fishel also offered valuable advice to the anxious public. In such situations, it's natural for people to want to stay at home and protect their loved ones. "The natural tendency in this situation is to shut oneself up at home and protect family members. Our recommendation is to return to function if possible. Routine is a protective factor, and action is an effective coping mechanism," Dr. Fishel recommended.
