Survey Reveals Drug Shortages Impacting Hospital Care

Many U.S. hospitals are facing a drug shortage crisis, struggling to find chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, and other essential treatments. A survey by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists revealed that about one-third of hospitals have skipped, delayed, or prescribed less medication due to supply gaps, impacting patient care. The shortages are categorized as moderately impactful or critically impactful, forcing doctors to ration, delay, or cancel treatments. Hospitals are experiencing difficulties in obtaining corticosteroids, oral liquids, "crash cart" drugs, ADHD medications, and injectable opioids. Chemotherapy treatments are particularly affected. Experts are calling for federal government action to address the widespread problem and reduce disruptions in the drug supply chain.