Flu medicine unavailable across the country as new system collapses in trial operation

Czechs are unable to buy flu medication in pharmacies across the country after a new computer system collapsed in trial operation. In line with a new amendment to the law which took effect on May 1st, flu medicine containing pseudoefedrine such as Coldrex or Stopgrip, is no longer available freely over the counter and will only be sold to people in small amounts on the basis of a health insurance card and ID. The move is an attempt to curb abuse of the substance in the production of the illegal street drug pervitin.

However the new law has created a few problems. It involves putting personal data into a central evidence system and some pharmacies will not be selling flu medicine at all for fear of violating the privacy law. The matter is being investigated by the Office for Protection of Private Data.