Drug Shortages

Drug shortages occur when the supply of a medication is insufficient to meet the demand, often caused by manufacturing issues, supply chain disruptions, regulatory hurdles, or increased demand. These shortages can impact patient care, delaying treatments or forcing healthcare providers to use less effective alternatives. They may also increase costs and complicate medication management. Addressing drug shortages requires coordination among manufacturers, regulators, healthcare providers, and policymakers to ensure a consistent, safe supply of essential medicines while identifying and solving the underlying issues.