According to reports from Japanese media on the 23rd, the number of influenza patients in Japan has recently surged, resulting in a serious shortage of cough medicine and expectorants in some regions, with some even running out of stock. Government departments are requesting Pharmaceutical industry groups to take measures such as increasing production and advancing shipments to help alleviate the "Pharmaceutical shortage." Japanese media pointed out that the main reasons for the "Pharmaceutical shortage" are the surging demand on one hand, and the suspension of production by some generic drug manufacturers due to scandal exposure, leading to reduced output on the other hand. Additionally, the depreciation of the yen has increased Pharmaceutical costs, and the relatively low drug prices set by government departments have led Pharmaceutical manufacturers to be reluctant to produce actively. In response to the above situation, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has asked the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association to release drug inventories, appropriately increase production, and advance deliveries. (Xinhua News Agency)