The US has seen a record 323 drug shortages in the first three months of 2024.

All drug classes are vulnerable to shortages, particularly sterile injectables, cancer chemotherapy, and emergency drugs.

Manufacturing and quality problems are often the root cause of drug shortages, rather than high demand.

The FDA has identified manufacturing, quality, and supply chain issues as contributing factors to drug shortages.

A single factory closure can cause a shortage of generic chemical drugs, highlighting the need for supply chain transparency and diversification.

The shortage of drugs is caused by multiple factors, including supply and manufacturing problems, demand, distribution, and pricing issues.

Drug shortages cost facilities at least $359 million annually.

Over 50,000 North American pharmacies are affected by drug shortages.

The 'Drug Supply Information Platform' helps predict, prevent, and respond to drug shortages with real-time information on availability and alternatives.

Data analytics can identify patterns and trends in drug shortages, enabling early intervention.

Digital health solutions can help adjust drug prices and quotas based on supply and demand factors.

Technology and automation can help predict, prevent, and respond to drug shortages, as seen in Omnicell's advancements.

Implementing technology and digital health solutions to address drug shortages is hindered by unsupportive regulatory systems and limited human capacity.

Local medicine production helps national healthcare systems by providing access to needed medicines and reducing reliance on international supply chains.

Taiwan has launched a 'Drug Market Monitoring System' to monitor pharmaceutical product supply.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare has proposed a three-part strategy to address the current drug shortage.

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority's website provides regularly updated information on shortages of medicines, raw materials, and devices.

The US has seen a record 323 drug shortages in the first three months of 2024.

Title:

Content: General Supervision
Elham Aboul Fath
Editor-in-Chief
Thank you for your patience.
General Supervision
Elham Aboul Fath
Editor-in-Chief
Thank you for your patience.
An Unexpected Catastrophe in the World ’ s Largest Country: The Complete Story of U.S. Drug Shortages
The deficit is at a record level.
According to data from the American Society of Health System Pharmacists and the University of Utah Drug Information Service, organizations began tracking drug shortages for the first time in 2001. Steady since 2021 – now reaching a record high of 323 drugs in the first three months of 2024.
Paul Abramowitz, CEO of the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, wrote in a blog post on Thursday: “It ’ s been a long time to end drug shortages, ” and wrote:“ All drug classes are vulnerable to shortages, some of the most worrisome shortages include sterile injectable generic drugs, including cancer chemotherapy drugs and emergency drugs stored in hospital vans and procedural areas. It is dangerous for doctors and patients. ”
In addition to the 32 chemotherapy drugs that are deficient, the five categories of drugs with the greatest deficiency include central nervous system stimulants, antimicrobials, hormonal agents, and intravenous fluids. [1] The Drug Deficiency Database maintained by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists and the University of Utah is based on voluntary reports from practitioners, patients, and others that have been confirmed by manufacturers. The U.S. drug is in short supply, because it captures broader effects on service providers and patients.
The crisis has lasted a year and a half.
More than half of the treatment shortages have lasted for more than two years, according to an analysis by health consultancy IQVIA, and the average shortage affects at least half a million patients, many of them elderly, according to the US Office of Health and Human Services under the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, which shared its analysis with Congress in May.
Growing demand can play a role in drug shortages, as with the recent shortage of weight-loss drugs, but often manufacturing and quality problems, such as supply chain gaps and downtime, are the root cause. And varied.
But the American Society of Health System Pharmacists has “serious concerns ” about parts of this proposal, especially financial sanctions imposed on hospitals that lack the resources to comply with the recommendations, Abramowitz wrote:“ We all know that managing shortages is not enough and is not a sustainable solution to the worsening crisis, and there is still a lot of work to be done at the federal level to fix the root causes of drug shortages. ”
Why Shortage Occurs
Shortages can be caused by high demand, as with the recent shortage of weight-loss drugs, but this is not usually the main problem.
The FDA also blames manufacturing and quality problems, supply chain gaps, and downtime, and Dr. Emily Tucker, a drug shortage expert and an assistant professor of industrial engineering at Clemson University, says that when there is an indication of shortages, large health systems often also proactively place large orders, adding to the system ’ s stress.
“I don ’ t blame anyone.
“When I talk to all the stakeholders – whether it ’ s wholesalers, manufacturers, or the government – everyone wants this problem to end, ” she said.
Lack of transparency
Dr. Julie Grallo, chief medical officer and executive vice president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, told the House Committee earlier that the shortage puts providers in a terrible position: “The drug shortage crisis is forcing providers to make impossible choices, and it is also hindering the development of new drugs. Health drugs are purchased only on a price basis, and manufacturers do not have to disclose the source of their acquisition of the ingredients.
The shortage of this generic chemical drug came due to the closure of one factory in India that manufactures the active ingredient after a surprise FDA inspection found “significant quality issues, ” says Jarallo:“ We didn ’ t know, and there was no transparency regarding the company ’ s supply of the majority of active pharmaceutical ingredients to all manufacturers across the board.
Knowing this in advance, we could have responded much faster, ” Dr. Steven Schundlemeyer, director of the PRIME Institute of the University of Minnesota School of Pharmacy, which focuses on economic and management issues, told the committee that as with defense contractors in the United States, New Zealand requires manufacturers to disclose their suppliers, and that information is required.
Easily accessible in the database.
Related Topics

All drug classes are vulnerable to shortages, particularly sterile injectables, cancer chemotherapy, and emergency drugs.

Manufacturing and quality problems are often the root cause of drug shortages, rather than high demand.

The FDA has identified manufacturing, quality, and supply chain issues as contributing factors to drug shortages.

A single factory closure can cause a shortage of generic chemical drugs, highlighting the need for supply chain transparency and diversification.

The shortage of drugs is caused by multiple factors, including supply and manufacturing problems, demand, distribution, and pricing issues.

Title:

Content: The lack of medicine continues to burn!
The Ministry of Health and Welfare has proposed a short, medium and long-term strategy to deal with the current 5 coping mechanisms.
Journalist Yen Zhenzhen / Taipei Report
According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the shortage of drugs is not a single factor, but includes supply problems, manufacturing problems, clinical demand factors, uneven distribution of drugs, drug use habits and drug prices. In addition to dealing with the relatively high clinical demand items, it is properly allocated to all levels of medical institutions and pharmacies to fully meet the needs of clinical end-use drugs.
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In the face of the shortage of drugs, Wang said, the existing health insurance uses five major coping mechanisms, including 1, a single processing window, a dedicated person to help deal with the problem of drug purchase, and contact the Food and Drug Administration to put relevant information on the website of the NHI. (4) Drug price adjustment mechanism that does not meet the cost can be re-checked according to the way of raising the price of special drugs; (5) Alternative drugs can still declare the cost, if they are not irreplaceable, they can be replaced at the same price or lower than the original prescription drug price.
In addition, Wang pointed out that in the face of the international epidemic, the Russian-Ukrainian war, and labor shortage, drug shortage is a problem facing all countries. In order to strengthen the stable supply mechanism of drugs in China, the Ministry of Health and Welfare continues to actively respond to the short-term strategy to solve the problem of drug shortage. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the pharmaceutical industry have made every effort to actively arrange production lines, strive for early import, increase production / import quantity, and properly distribute to all levels of medical institutions and pharmacies to fully meet the demand for clinical end use drugs.
In addition, to properly handle the issue of drug price adjustment, the Central Health Insurance Administration of the Ministry of Health and Welfare intends to implement the "Universal Health Insurance Cost Distribution Target System (DET)" in April this year, which will adjust the number of drug prices and adjust the quota in a suitable manner, taking into account factors such as the epidemic, the Russian-Ukrainian war and inflation.
In terms of medium-term strategy, Wang said that he will establish a permanent drug shortage treatment center and optimize drug supply information transmission.
In order to speed up the handling of drug shortage incidents, we will adopt dedicated personnel and cross-departmental cooperation to develop drug shortage prevention policies to prevent drug shortage in advance, strengthen cross-departmental data integration and proactive monitoring to detect drug shortage incidents at an early stage, and intervene early through cross-departmental cooperation to stabilize drug supply.
At the same time, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to disseminate drug supply and alternative drug information through various channels. In addition to posting on the “Drug Supply Information Platform ”, the FDA will notify medical institutions and pharmacies through VPN, and weekly letters to relevant medical associations and public associations to inform members. Management system.
In the long-term strategy section, it includes reviewing the current health insurance drug pricing policy and encouraging the production of domestically manufactured generic drugs.
Wang Bi-sheng pointed out that in the review of the current health insurance drug price policy, including the development of the price protection of indicative drugs, drug price review for the lack of drugs; start the review of drug expenditure target (DET), plan the establishment of a risk control mechanism, plan the national unified procurement trial plan; comprehensively review the health insurance drug price policy, give an appropriate price protection mechanism for necessary drugs, and also target the patent period. To encourage the production of domestic manufacturers to ensure that when there is a shortage of original pharmaceutical products, there are domestic famous drugs to respond.
Wang also stressed that the Food and Drug Administration has set up a "Drug Supply Information Platform" (https: / / dsms.fda.gov.tw /), reporting hotline (02) 27878249. If medical institutions and pharmacies have any shortage of drugs, they can go to the platform for enquiry or notification, and the department will deal with it immediately.
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Drug shortages cost facilities at least $359 million annually.

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Over 50,000 North American pharmacies are affected by drug shortages.

The 'Drug Supply Information Platform' helps predict, prevent, and respond to drug shortages with real-time information on availability and alternatives.

Data analytics can identify patterns and trends in drug shortages, enabling early intervention.

Title:

Content: Express Computer
Home  »  Guest Blogs  »  The next frontier: Investing opportunities in India’s burgeoning healthtech sector

The next frontier: Investing opportunities in India’s burgeoning healthtech sector

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By Karna D Shinde, Strategic Investor and Advisor

As the world continues to navigate through the complexities of healthcare, India’s burgeoning healthtech sector emerges as a beacon of innovation and opportunity. Led by visionary entrepreneurs, technological advancements, and fueled by the pandemic, the sector saw a boost in investments.

However, the primary drivers of growth in India’s healthtech sector is the increasing adoption of digital health solutions. With the widespread penetration of smartphones and internet connectivity, telemedicine platforms have witnessed a surge in demand, especially in remote and underserved areas. These platforms enable patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, thereby reducing barriers to access and improving healthcare outcomes. Additionally, digital health records and data analytics tools are streamlining patient care and enhancing clinical decision-making processes.

As governments and healthcare organisations prioritise digitisation initiatives, there is a growing need for innovative healthtech solutions that can address evolving challenges effectively. As per experts, India’s digital healthcare market is expected to generate $37 billion in revenue by 2030. Investors keen on capitalising on this trend can explore opportunities in telemedicine platforms, digital health infrastructure and remote patient monitoring systems.

In 2023, the healthcare sector witnessed a significant focus on investments, particularly in hospitals and health tech start-ups, according to EY. Hospitals emerged as the primary beneficiary, capturing 62% of all private equity and venture capital investments within healthcare, followed closely by health tech, which secured a 23% share. Notably, India’s healthtech sector experienced a surge in attention, particularly in the realm of healthcare AI and machine learning applications. These technologies are poised to revolutionise various aspects of healthcare, including diagnostics, drug discovery, and personalised medicine. AI-powered platforms have the potential to analyze extensive medical datasets, unveiling crucial patterns, predicting disease outcomes, and optimising treatment strategies. By harnessing machine learning algorithms, healthcare providers can offer more precise diagnoses, tailor treatment plans to individual patients’ needs, and enhance overall efficiency in healthcare delivery.

Furthermore, the integration of wearable devices and IoT (Internet of Things) sensors is transforming preventive healthcare and wellness management. These devices enable continuous monitoring of vital signs, physical activity levels, and other health parameters, empowering individuals to take proactive measures to maintain their well-being. Investors interested in this space can explore opportunities in wearable technology startups, IoT-enabled healthcare devices, and data analytics platforms that harness real-time health data for actionable insights.

In addition to technological innovation, regulatory reforms and government initiatives are driving growth and investment opportunities in India’s healthtech sector. The Indian government’s push for universal healthcare coverage and the implementation of digital health frameworks are creating a conducive environment for industry growth. Moreover, collaborations between public and private stakeholders are fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in healthcare delivery models.

For investors looking to capitalize on India’s healthtech boom, it is essential to conduct thorough due diligence and identify promising startups with scalable business models and strong leadership teams. By investing in early-stage ventures with disruptive technologies and a clear value proposition, investors can position themselves for significant returns in the long term.

India’s healthtech sector presents compelling investment opportunities driven by technological innovation, changing consumer preferences, and supportive regulatory frameworks. As the demand for accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare continues to grow, investors have a unique chance to participate in the transformation of India’s healthcare landscape while generating substantial returns on their investments. With the right strategic approach and a focus on innovation and impact, investing in India’s healthtech sector could prove to be the next frontier for savvy investors.

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Digital health solutions can help adjust drug prices and quotas based on supply and demand factors.

Technology and automation can help predict, prevent, and respond to drug shortages, as seen in Omnicell's advancements.

Implementing technology and digital health solutions to address drug shortages is hindered by unsupportive regulatory systems and limited human capacity.

Title:

Content: Senior Advisor at Sinopharm CNBG and G42, Dr. Nawal Al Kaabi will share her experience and expertise at the latest edition of the region ’ s leading technology event
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dr. Nawal Al Kaabi, a biotechnology researcher, will pay a special visit to GITEX 2022, where she will share her personal experience and expertise in community protection and drug and treatment safety, through her long career and prominent role in Hyatt Biotech, a UAE-China joint venture, where she is Senior Advisor.
Hyatt Biotech, a joint venture between Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence and cloud computing company G42 and Chinese pharmaceutical company CNBG Sinopharm, is responsible for manufacturing and distributing the Covid-19 inactivated BBiB-CorV vaccine, which has enabled the UAE to become self-sufficient in its vaccine supply.
The company is also in advanced negotiations to supply the vaccine to other neighboring countries and ensure fair and equal access to the vaccine.
Dr. Al Kaabi will be giving a talk at the G42 ’ s private stand today, as part of her role as Senior Advisor at Hayat Biotech, exploring the biotechnology that is shaping the present and future of healthcare.
The rapidly evolving scientific sectors are upgrading the medical sector in general, providing tools to reduce and control infectious diseases, enhancing knowledge about specific disorders and increasing efficiency in manufacturing processes.
Nasser Al Yamahi, Executive Vice President, Hayat Biotech, emphasized the importance of this approach when commenting on the event: “Together with our team of healthcare professionals, we share our desire and vision and work together to achieve leadership in the provision of new science-based, technology-based and human-centric solutions.
We look forward to driving real and meaningful positive change, providing the world with access to preventative medicine, and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their future health and safety. ”
Following the lecture, Dr. Al Kaabi will take part in a digital video conversation, during which she will discuss the importance and role of local R & D and manufacturing in establishing and promoting a sustainable healthcare system.
Dr Al Kaabi said: “Local ecosystems for R & D are providing a driving force that will reshape and restructure the sector. ”
“Local production of medicines plays a vital role in maintaining the resilience of national healthcare systems, particularly in terms of facilitating access to needed medicines and reducing the urgency of importing medicines and international supply chains. ”
The digital conversation will also highlight the prospects of the pharmaceutical sector as a research-intensive industry, the systematic lack of governance and support for R & D activities in this sector, along with a host of other related issues and topics.
“Unsupportive regulatory systems and limited human capacity are only key factors in a set of major barriers that negatively impact the diversification of the locally produced drug portfolio, ” said Dr. Al Kaabi.
The event will be attended by Hongbin Chong, CEO of Hyatt Biotech, who will conduct a number of media interviews to highlight and discuss the journey and efforts of biotech professionals to establish an efficient ecosystem around the world, in the UAE and in the region, including the state-of-the-art KIZAD center.
G42 ’ s own stand will be in Hall 6A, Stand 20 at GITEX, and the digital conversation will be broadcast via G42 ’ s official platforms.
# Company Data
- Done.

Local medicine production helps national healthcare systems by providing access to needed medicines and reducing reliance on international supply chains.

Taiwan has launched a 'Drug Market Monitoring System' to monitor pharmaceutical product supply.

Title:

Content: Cai Ing-wen: Thanks for 8 years of support, the epidemic and the government work together
Journalist Chen Wei-uei / reporting from Taipei
President Tsai Ing-wen attended the Spring Wine Dinner of the National Federation of Pharmacists of the Republic of China (ROC) on the evening of today (25), saying that the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Food and Drug Administration and the National Health Insurance Administration have actively responded to the shortage of drugs.
In the future, Taiwan will enter an ultra-aging society, medical treatment combined with technology will become the norm, and the government will continue to improve and amend laws and regulations in a timely manner, looking forward to improving medical services.
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Tsai Ing-wen said in her speech that this year, the All Federation of Pharmacists Association will soon reach its 44th anniversary, and the past presidents and supervisors are committed to fighting for the rights of pharmacists, and also let the Federation become a bridge for communication between the government and the industry, so that the government can hear the voice of the pharmaceutical industry and be closer to public opinion in policy.
She would like to thank President Huang Jinshun for his leadership over the past few years, as well as all the good friends of pharmacists to protect the health of the people of the country.
At the same time, she also wants to spend her old age, and wish everyone a happy and safe New Year.
In the past few years, in the face of the challenges of the epidemic, all pharmacists have worked hard to stand on the front line, not only to mobilize drugs, but also to help the government release masks and rapid screening tests.
Tsai Ing-wen said that in addition to going deep into the community and the Changshu Center, the Association also shares Taiwan's experience in epidemic prevention and public health with pharmaceutical organizations around the world, so that the world can see Taiwan, give full play to the spirit of "Taiwan Can Help," and contribute its own efforts to the world.
Tsai Ing-wen pointed out that the government knows that the world is facing a shortage of drugs in recent years, and has asked the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Health Insurance Administration to actively respond to the problem.
At present, the "Drug Market Monitoring System" has been launched. This system will strengthen the monitoring of the supply of pharmaceutical products in the middle market, so that the front-line pharmacists can query the inventory of pharmaceutical products more quickly and ensure the rights and interests of the public.
Tsai Ing-wen stressed that Taiwan's society is entering an ultra-old age, and in the case of fewer children, the medical needs for home care will continue to increase.
In the future, medical combined technology will become the norm, such as telemedicine services and smart medical services that have been opened up.
The government will also continue to improve and amend regulations in a timely manner to ensure information security and patient privacy, and improve medical services.
Finally, Tsai thanked everyone for their support during her eight-year term in office, which allowed Taiwan to “pass through and overcome the barriers. ”
During the 100-year pandemic, I would like to thank my friends and the government for their hard work, so that Taiwan's epidemic prevention performance has been recognized by the world, and so that the public can better understand the role of pharmacists in the national epidemic prevention and medical system.
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The Ministry of Health and Welfare has proposed a three-part strategy to address the current drug shortage.

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority's website provides regularly updated information on shortages of medicines, raw materials, and devices.

Title:

Content: - A plus A.
@ Okaz _ online
The Health Committee of the Shura Council held a meeting - via video call - chaired by the member of the Council and Vice Chairman of the Committee Dr. Hassan bin Salem Al Masloom to discuss the topics on the agenda of the Committee, and referred to it by the Council to discuss them and submit its reports containing its opinion and recommendations on them in the coming period.
During the meeting, the Committee examined the highlights of the annual report of the Red Crescent Authority for the fiscal year 1442 / 1443, and the information and figures included in the report showing the performance of the Authority during the reporting year.
During the meeting, the committee pointed out the importance of the Authority's development of the devices and equipment used to suit the size of the large services it provides, the most important of which is the provision and modernization of ambulances in sufficient numbers with international specifications technically and technically to provide the best ambulance services and save the lives of the injured.
During the meeting, the committee considered the importance of benefiting from the programs and large databases, and the potential of artificial intelligence to help predict the increase or decrease of the demand for ambulatory services, and guide the supervisors of ambulatory services to transfer or focus the crews to fill the need for excess requests, and raise the efficiency and better use of resources.
During the meeting, the Committee examined the annual report of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority for the fiscal year 1442 / 1443, and the challenges it faces in raising the efficiency of services provided and creating innovative technical solutions to enhance the quality of services and stimulate digital infrastructure.
The committee discussed the importance of the Authority ’ s website containing indicators and an interactive panel with information on the shortage of medicines, raw materials and devices, which is updated regularly, which helps health facilities and consumers to develop appropriate measures and plans to contribute to the ease of research and access to information for the beneficiary.
On the other hand, the Water, Agriculture and Environment Committee of the Shura Council held a meeting - via video call - chaired by the Council member and Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Khalid bin Mahmoud Zubair, to discuss a number of topics referred to the Committee for consideration and submit its reports containing its opinion to the Council in the coming period.
Among the topics discussed by the Committee was the annual report of the National Center for Research and Development of Sustainable Agriculture (Estidama) for the fiscal year 1442 / 1443.


A record 323 drugs were in shortage in the first three months of 2024, affecting several countries including the US, France, Egypt, and India.

All drug classes are vulnerable to shortages, particularly sterile injectables, cancer chemotherapy, and emergency drugs.

The five categories of drugs with the greatest deficiency include central nervous system stimulants, antimicrobials, hormonal agents, intravenous fluids, and 32 chemotherapy drugs.

Most treatment shortages last over two years, affecting at least half a million patients, often elderly.

Manufacturing and quality problems are often the root cause of drug shortages, rather than just growing demand.

The FDA blames manufacturing issues, supply chain gaps, and downtime for drug shortages.

The White House proposes spending $3.26 billion to $5.11 billion over the next decade to address the nation's drug shortage.

Policymakers recommend giving the FDA more power to access drug shortage information.

Egypt's medicine shortage is caused by high raw material prices due to a high exchange rate, as most are imported.

The high dollar price has led some factories to halt production, contributing to a medicine shortage, particularly for chronic diseases.

Essential medicines, including insulin, should be stockpiled for at least 6 months.

Activists and health experts have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address India's ongoing anti-TB drug shortages.

Resolving the anti-TB drug shortage crisis requires immediate governmental intervention and a long-term commitment to strengthening India's healthcare infrastructure.

Addressing medication shortages requires a collaborative effort among government agencies, healthcare providers, manufacturers, and patients.

Hospital pharmacists manage shortages by offering alternatives, adjusting purchases, and rationing medicines.

About two-thirds of pharmacists said shortages were 'moderately impactful', affecting patients despite being manageable.

Medication shortages are affecting people with chro

A record 323 drugs were in shortage in the first three months of 2024, affecting several countries including the US, France, Egypt, and India.

All drug classes are vulnerable to shortages, particularly sterile injectables, cancer chemotherapy, and emergency drugs.

Title:

Content: General Supervision
Elham Aboul Fath
Editor-in-Chief
Thank you for your patience.
General Supervision
Elham Aboul Fath
Editor-in-Chief
Thank you for your patience.
An Unexpected Catastrophe in the World ’ s Largest Country: The Complete Story of U.S. Drug Shortages
The deficit is at a record level.
According to data from the American Society of Health System Pharmacists and the University of Utah Drug Information Service, organizations began tracking drug shortages for the first time in 2001. Steady since 2021 – now reaching a record high of 323 drugs in the first three months of 2024.
Paul Abramowitz, CEO of the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, wrote in a blog post on Thursday: “It ’ s been a long time to end drug shortages, ” and wrote:“ All drug classes are vulnerable to shortages, some of the most worrisome shortages include sterile injectable generic drugs, including cancer chemotherapy drugs and emergency drugs stored in hospital vans and procedural areas. It is dangerous for doctors and patients. ”
In addition to the 32 chemotherapy drugs that are deficient, the five categories of drugs with the greatest deficiency include central nervous system stimulants, antimicrobials, hormonal agents, and intravenous fluids. [1] The Drug Deficiency Database maintained by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists and the University of Utah is based on voluntary reports from practitioners, patients, and others that have been confirmed by manufacturers. The U.S. drug is in short supply, because it captures broader effects on service providers and patients.
The crisis has lasted a year and a half.
More than half of the treatment shortages have lasted for more than two years, according to an analysis by health consultancy IQVIA, and the average shortage affects at least half a million patients, many of them elderly, according to the US Office of Health and Human Services under the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, which shared its analysis with Congress in May.
Growing demand can play a role in drug shortages, as with the recent shortage of weight-loss drugs, but often manufacturing and quality problems, such as supply chain gaps and downtime, are the root cause. And varied.
But the American Society of Health System Pharmacists has “serious concerns ” about parts of this proposal, especially financial sanctions imposed on hospitals that lack the resources to comply with the recommendations, Abramowitz wrote:“ We all know that managing shortages is not enough and is not a sustainable solution to the worsening crisis, and there is still a lot of work to be done at the federal level to fix the root causes of drug shortages. ”
Why Shortage Occurs
Shortages can be caused by high demand, as with the recent shortage of weight-loss drugs, but this is not usually the main problem.
The FDA also blames manufacturing and quality problems, supply chain gaps, and downtime, and Dr. Emily Tucker, a drug shortage expert and an assistant professor of industrial engineering at Clemson University, says that when there is an indication of shortages, large health systems often also proactively place large orders, adding to the system ’ s stress.
“I don ’ t blame anyone.
“When I talk to all the stakeholders – whether it ’ s wholesalers, manufacturers, or the government – everyone wants this problem to end, ” she said.
Lack of transparency
Dr. Julie Grallo, chief medical officer and executive vice president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, told the House Committee earlier that the shortage puts providers in a terrible position: “The drug shortage crisis is forcing providers to make impossible choices, and it is also hindering the development of new drugs. Health drugs are purchased only on a price basis, and manufacturers do not have to disclose the source of their acquisition of the ingredients.
The shortage of this generic chemical drug came due to the closure of one factory in India that manufactures the active ingredient after a surprise FDA inspection found “significant quality issues, ” says Jarallo:“ We didn ’ t know, and there was no transparency regarding the company ’ s supply of the majority of active pharmaceutical ingredients to all manufacturers across the board.
Knowing this in advance, we could have responded much faster, ” Dr. Steven Schundlemeyer, director of the PRIME Institute of the University of Minnesota School of Pharmacy, which focuses on economic and management issues, told the committee that as with defense contractors in the United States, New Zealand requires manufacturers to disclose their suppliers, and that information is required.
Easily accessible in the database.
Related Topics

The five categories of drugs with the greatest deficiency include central nervous system stimulants, antimicrobials, hormonal agents, intravenous fluids, and 32 chemotherapy drugs.

Most treatment shortages last over two years, affecting at least half a million patients, often elderly.

Manufacturing and quality problems are often the root cause of drug shortages, rather than just growing demand.

The FDA blames manufacturing issues, supply chain gaps, and downtime for drug shortages.

The White House proposes spending $3.26 billion to $5.11 billion over the next decade to address the nation's drug shortage.

Title:

Content: Meitu
The first quarter of the United States serious drug shortage 323 drugs urgent cancer patients also have to be diverted and rationed!
CHU HENG NETWORK NEWS CENTER 2024-04-16 10: 42
According to the latest data from the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Utah Center for Drug Information Services, a total of 323 drugs in the United States were in severe shortages in the first quarter of this year, surpassing the record of 320 in 2014.
Among the drugs affected are the widely used diabetes drugs Ozempic and Mounjaro, the allergy treatment drug adrenaline, the common antibiotic amoxicillin for children, chemotherapy drugs and injections commonly used in hospitals in intensive care.
ASHP CEO Paul Abramowitz said in a statement that almost all categories of drugs are facing shortages, with non-patented sterile injectable drugs, including cancer chemotherapy drugs, and emergency drugs stored in hospital emergency vans and operating areas, the shortage of such drugs is the most worrying.
According to the American Cancer Society, chemotherapy is one of the top five drugs most affected by the shortage, which threatens to have a devastating impact on patients, and some hospitals and clinics say doctors have had to divert patients to ration their medications because of a shortage of some chemotherapy drugs.
In addition, ASHP noted that the continued nationwide shortage of ADHD drugs is “a problem for clinicians and patients. ”
The shortage of popular drugs is even more acute, with Mounjaro, the diabetes drug known as the “slimming pill ”, already in dire straits.
In response, Lilly said that the “unprecedented surge in demand ” for Mounjaro and its similar drug Zepbound has led to a shortage in the market, which the company is struggling to cope with.
Lilly is ramping up investments to boost production at Mounjaro and Zepbound in the second half of 2024.
The company said it expects intermittent supply disruptions in the near term due to unprecedented demand.
How to cure the drug shortage
The last major “drug shortage ” in U.S. history occurred in 2014, and it has only been alleviated in the years since.
Since 2021, the drug shortage situation seems to be increasing, and scholars in the field of medical health and economics in the United States believe that the reason for most drug shortages in the United States is the fragmentation of the drug supply chain.
The White House this month proposed spending between $3.26 billion and $5.11 billion over the next decade to help address the nation ’ s drug shortage.
The bill requires approval and funding from the U.S. Congress.
U.S. researchers and policymakers believe that a complete solution to the “drug shortage ” may require changes to the business model of the U.S. pharmaceutical industry, including measures to increase the price of generic drugs to attract more drug manufacturers.
Policymakers recommend giving the FDA more power to access more information about drug shortages and impending shortages.
Currently, the FDA relies primarily on phone calls to manufacturers asking if they can increase their supply to understand the situation.
The American Society of Health System Pharmacists said it is working with the federal government to advise the government on measures to address the drug shortage, including that Congress should require manufacturers to be more transparent on any supply chain issues and encourage more diversity in supply chains.
According to Abramowitz, “The federal government still has a lot of work to do to fundamentally address drug shortages, and the American Society of Health System Pharmacists will continue to engage regularly with policymakers to guide them in drafting and passing new legislation to address drug shortages and continue to advocate vigorously for proven solutions on behalf of our members. ”

Policymakers recommend giving the FDA more power to access drug shortage information.

Egypt's medicine shortage is caused by high raw material prices due to a high exchange rate, as most are imported.

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Content: The Egyptian alternative is not available.. and the importer increased 150% search for insulin..
A journey of misery that threatens the lives of diabetic patients
5.
There is no voice louder than the cries of patients who have failed to get their medicine.. The crisis of lack of medicines continues and haunting patients and threatening their lives.. The most prominent shortcomings of insulin.. In the new republic, access to insulin has become a difficult dream.
Insulin disappeared from pharmacies.. The Right to Medicine Association also received many complaints about the lack of insulin in public hospitals and health insurance clinics in the provinces.
Some patients resorted to the ambulance pharmacy in search of insulin, which is dispensed in specific quantities after providing a modern prescription and analysis proving the patient's diabetes, which prompted citizens to crowd in front of the ambulance pharmacy in long queues to buy those shortcomings after they disappeared from all pharmacies.
The lack of insulin prompted a number of patients to share their suffering on the social networking site Facebook and wondered where it was available.
The price of imported insulin pen rose from 62 pounds to 100 pounds and then 150 pounds up to 192 pounds.. The local price reaches 40 pounds, but it is not available only in the ambulance pharmacy and the patient spends one pen after submitting the prescription and a copy of the card and the analysis that proves the disease.
The crisis is not limited to pharmacies and government and university hospitals, but there is a shortage of insulin in health insurance pharmacies.
Many diabetic patients have complained of not being able to dispense their monthly treatment due to the lack of insulin.. The patient also has to pass through many pharmacies on a long journey to dispense his treatment and there are some pharmacies that dispense half the dose only because of the existing shortage.
The government held several meetings to discuss the drug shortage crisis and promised to solve it within a week.
The crisis prompted a number of deputies to submit requests for a briefing in the House of Representatives on the crisis of the shortage of medicines for chronic diseases such as heart, pressure and diabetes … and accused the Unified Procurement Authority and the Ministry of Health of failing to resolve the crisis.
Mohamed Elbahi, consultant of the Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industry at the Federation of Industries, said that the shortage of medicines in Egypt is caused by the high prices of raw materials due to the high exchange rate, as most of the raw materials used in the pharmaceutical industry are imported from abroad.
I forgot to solve the crisis in stages so as not to impose a burden on the citizen and expect the end of the crisis of medicine shortages within three months at the latest.
Although Egypt imports a large amount of insulin, the Minister of Health and Population, Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, said in statements that Egypt is a producer of insulin, and local insulin can be used as an alternative to the importer, but it is also not available.
As pointed out by dr.
Alaa Mohamed, a pharmacist, said that there is a prevailing culture among citizens that the importer is the best and despite the high price of imported insulin, but the patient is still looking for him and is not satisfied with the alternative.. There are patients suffering from diabetes for several years and they are accustomed to the importer and it is difficult to replace it with the Egyptian.
Dr. Ali Abdullah, director of the Center for Pharmaceutical Studies, explained that the reason for the shortage of medicines is the inability of the producing companies to bear the difference of money to import raw materials after the rise of the dollar price from 31 pounds to 49 pounds.
He pointed out the need to raise the awareness of citizens and change the prevailing culture that the importer is better than the local. We must educate patients to use alternative medicines because they are much cheaper than the importer, which costs us a lot of money.
He added that it is necessary to enact legislation to prevent the dispensing of medicines without prescription in order to prevent the withdrawal of medicines and their use for purposes other than those specified for them.
On the other hand, Dr. Ali Abdullah called for the need to reconsider the pricing of medicines with not forgetting the social and investment part of companies.. And the citizen to accept the increase in the prices of medicine, and also must control the market of medicines.. There are statements by Minister Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar pointed out that the private sector represents 70% of medicines, and the government has 30%.. Unfortunately there is a large amount of government medicines private hospitals and pharmacies health insurance are leaked For the black market and the citizen does not find evidence in a syringe price of 200 pounds sold for 2000 pounds.. In a drug used in illegal abortion price of 11 pounds is now sold for 200 and 300 pounds although it is private government only.. And on the private level we find abuse in the use of drugs veterinarians sell veterinary drugs with feed..
And gynecologists and obstetricians sell the IUD at times its prices and hormonal injections as well.. Where is the legislation that governs this farce and where is the drug traceability that governs the medicine can.
Dr. Irene Saad, a member of the House of Representatives, pointed out that the reason for the shortage of medicines, especially medicines for chronic diseases, is the decline in the import of raw materials and the tendency of some factories and companies to stop production lines because of the lack of raw materials for the industry due to the high price of the dollar.
She stressed that the role of the state is to pay attention to the factories of the private business sector in the country, which can feed the gap in public hospitals and health insurance, and there is more interest in the city of medicine to serve the national industry, and there is a national strategy to localize the drug industry and rely on local alternatives.
It is possible to agree with the Ministry of Agriculture to provide animal gelatin.. Packaging materials.. Manufacturing these materials locally can save the final cost and reach a fair price for medicines..
Therefore, the state should give incentives to important production lines that fill a deficit.. There must be coordination between the Pharmaceutical Authority and the Ministry of Industry to identify the shortcomings and develop alternative plans to provide them at reasonable prices.
She pointed out that insulin, for example, from medicines should be in stock at least 6 months because of its great importance in providing health care to citizens, and there should be stock for all medicines, especially medicines for chronic diseases.

The high dollar price has led some factories to halt production, contributing to a medicine shortage, particularly for chronic diseases.

Essential medicines, including insulin, should be stockpiled for at least 6 months.

Activists and health experts have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address India's ongoing anti-TB drug shortages.

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Content: Advertisment

TB and HIV Advocates Appeal to PM Modi Over Anti-TB Drug Shortages Ahead of World TB Day

Activists and health experts urgently request PM Modi's intervention on the eve of World TB Day to address the ongoing anti-TB drug shortages across India.

BNN Correspondents
New Update

In a significant plea for intervention, activists, public health experts, tuberculosis survivors, and individuals living with HIV have sent a distress letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the eve of World TB Day, urgently requesting his attention to the ongoing shortages of anti-TB drugs across India. This call to action underscores the dire situation for those afflicted by tuberculosis, emphasizing the need for immediate governmental response to prevent further health crises.

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Urgent Call for Governmental Action

The letter addressed to PM Modi detailed the specific anti-TB drugs currently in shortage, particularly those vital for treating drug-sensitive tuberculosis (DS-TB). The activists highlighted the grave implications of these shortages, including treatment disruptions and the heightened risk of drug-resistant TB strains. This situation not only jeopardizes the health of individuals currently undergoing treatment but also poses a significant threat to public health at large. The communication also shed light on the logistical challenges and bureaucratic delays in drug procurement at the state level, further exacerbating the issue.

Impact on Treatment and Patient Lives

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The consequences of these drug shortages are far-reaching, affecting TB patients' ability to adhere to their treatment regimens. Many are forced to make repeated visits to health centers, often at the cost of their day's wages, posing a harsh dilemma between earning a livelihood and seeking life-saving treatment. The letter poignantly outlines the predicament faced by those who, due to the unavailability of drugs, might have to purchase medication out-of-pocket, a financial burden too heavy for many to bear. This crisis highlights the urgent need for a streamlined and effective response to ensure the availability of essential TB medications.

Previous Denials and A Call for Transparency

Despite previous denials from the Health Ministry regarding the existence of such shortages, the persistence of this issue speaks volumes. The activists' letter calls for a transparent and accountable approach to addressing these shortages, urging the government to undertake emergency procurement measures and ensure the uninterrupted supply of these critical drugs. As the country with the highest burden of tuberculosis globally, India's response to this crisis will be closely watched by the international community and public health advocates alike.

As World TB Day approaches, this urgent appeal to Prime Minister Modi serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by those living with tuberculosis and HIV in India. The resolution of the anti-TB drug shortage crisis not only requires immediate governmental intervention but also a long-term commitment to strengthening India's healthcare infrastructure to prevent such situations in the future. The health and well-being of millions hang in the balance, awaiting decisive action.

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Resolving the anti-TB drug shortage crisis requires immediate governmental intervention and a long-term commitment to strengthening India's healthcare infrastructure.

Addressing medication shortages requires a collaborative effort among government agencies, healthcare providers, manufacturers, and patients.

Hospital pharmacists manage shortages by offering alternatives, adjusting purchases, and rationing medicines.

Title:

Content: As drug shortage list grows, many hospitals face tough decisions on rationing care

More than half of hospital pharmacists are reporting a critical shortage of chemotherapy drugs and nearly all are reporting overall medicine supply gaps as prescription drug shortages near an all time high, according to a new survey.

Hospital pharmacists said drug shortages have forced 1 in 3 health systems to delay, cancel or ration care or switch to alternate drugs to continue to treat patients. And 99% are reporting some drug supply shortages, an American Society of Health-System Pharmacists survey of more than 1,000 pharmacists released Thursday found.

The organization reported shortages of 309 drugs, near the all-time high of 320 shortages in 2014. The scarcity of key drugs is prompting hospitals to find or substitute drugs and change treatment plans as needed.

“In some cases, there are no alternatives to the affected drugs, which puts patients at risk," ASHP Chief Executive Officer Paul W. Abramowitz said in a statement. "This issue requires quick action from Congress to address the underlying causes of shortages and ensure patients have the medications they need.”

Cancer drug shortages

In June, the Food and Drug Administration said it will temporarily allow overseas drug manufacturers to import some chemotherapy drugs.

The FDA allowed Qilu Pharmaceutical, a drug manufacturer in China, to import the injectable chemotherapy drug cisplatin in 50-milligram vials. Toronto pharmaceutical company Apotex Corp. will distribute the medication in the United States.

More than a dozen cancer drugs have been in shortage in recent months, including cisplatin and carboplatin, used to treat lung, breast, prostate and gynecologic cancers. The National Cancer Institute said cisplatin and similar drugs are prescribed for 10% to 20% of all cancer patients.

In June, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network released a survey of 27 academic cancer centers that found 93% reported shortages of carboplatin and 70% faced shortages of cisplatin.

When cancer hospitals face such shortages, they attempt to make sure there's enough medication for patients to finish the course of treatment, said Mike Ganio, ASHP's senior director of pharmacy practice and quality.

Cancer hospitals facing such shortages might change medications for new patients starting on chemotherapy, said Ganio, a former pharmacy manager at an academic cancer center.

"You try to keep that patient on the same regimen as much as you can, unless they're failing it for some reason, and then you would switch," Ganio said.

Steroids, hormonal drugs also in short supply

More than 1 in 5 hospital pharmacists also reported shortages for steroids, hormonal drugs and oral liquids such as lidocaine, ibuprofen and amoxicillin.

A smaller number of pharmacists said heart medications, emergency prefilled syringes and drugs used for intensive care unit patients were in short supply. Others reported shortages of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medicines, antimicrobial drugs and injectable opioids.

In all, about two-thirds of pharmacists said the shortages were "moderately impactful," which means they are managing shortages but patients are affected.

Pharmacists are managing the shortages by offering therapeutic alternatives, buying different vial sizes or concentrations and rationing medicines.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Survey: Drug shortages are widespread, hospitals ration care

About two-thirds of pharmacists said shortages were 'moderately impactful', affecting patients despite being manageable.

Medication shortages are affecting people with chro

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Content: General Supervision
Elham Aboul Fath
Editor-in-Chief
Thank you for your patience.
General Supervision
Elham Aboul Fath
Editor-in-Chief
Thank you for your patience.
Despite the availability of the dollar...
Parliamentary action on the suffering of people with chronic diseases due to the lack of treatment
Dr. Hisham Hussein, Secretary of the Suggestions and Complaints Committee of the House of Representatives, submitted a request for a briefing to Advisor Dr. Hanafi Jebali, President of the Council, addressed to the Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population, on the continued shortage of medicines and medical supplies, despite the availability of the dollar, and the impact of this on people with chronic diseases.
Hisham Hussein pointed out that the past few days have witnessed a great problem in the insufficiency of intensive care beds and emergency departments in hospitals, due to the frequency of critical cases, which were unable to get the necessary treatment on the scheduled dates.
Hisham Hussein explained that many people with chronic diseases such as heart, kidney, tumors, diabetes and others delayed the payment of their scheduled treatment, whether from health insurance, or treatment at the expense of the state, which caused complications that led to their need to enter hospitals in emergency departments or non-intensive care.
The MP stressed that because of the heavy pressure on hospitals, many cases were unable to get the necessary treatment, which led to many complications and portends a great problem.
The member of the House of Representatives pointed out that many have pinned their hopes on the availability of the dollar in the past period, to meet the needs of the medical sector of medicines and supplies, saying: However, it seems that more action is needed in this regard.
Hisham Hussein called on the Ministry of Health, in coordination with the concerned authorities, to take the necessary measures to provide all medicines and medical supplies for the benefit of chronic diseases, by reviewing all needs, stressing the need to facilitate procedures to obtain medicines through health insurance or treatment at the expense of the state.