Chasing Medical Supplies: Supply Chain Delays

Karis Kelly, University of Rochester, Sophomore, Summer 2024

Medication is a right of all patients, yet so many cannot access it due to drug shortages. Patients and physicians remain frustrated as the supply chain delays worsen. The first quarter of 2024 saw a 40% increase in supply chain disruption alerts for healthcare compared to Q1 of 2023 (“Life Sciences and Healthcare”, 2024). Such disruptions in healthcare can be life-threatening and diminish a patient's quality of life. Additionally, it prevents physicians from providing the best care they can. As this becomes a rising issue post-COVID, how is this impacting the patients all over the US?

With 323 active medication shortages in the United States, the highest has been since drug shortages were tracked in 2001 (ASHP, 2024). When patients are deprived of access to medication, like Ativan or chemotherapy, it can cause irreversible damage or death. As shortages continue, more patients’ lives are at risk.

Often, when medications are backordered or not available, patients are not notified until it is too late. Ken, a student with multi-systemic chronic illnesses stated, “If we know about shortages, we can contact our doctor to find alternatives.” Standard practice should be to alert patients of their medication shortages since many require tapering down dosages. An anonymous patient reported, “[Doctors] don't understand the gravity of the lived experience.” Patients reported some negative effects of shortages, such as having to drive to different cities or states to receive medication, an increase in side effects due to alternative medication options, and an increase in symptoms and flare-ups, with 80% reporting a decrease in quality of life (Kelly, 2024).

In 2023, manufacturers reported reasoning for shortages as unknown or would not provide a reason (60%), supply/demand (14%), manufacturing (12%), business decisions (12%), or raw material issues (2%) (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 2024). With the majority unspecified, this raises the question of what is causing the dramatic increase in shortages. As 2024 progresses, it’s very likely healthcare shortages will continue. Patient lives are on the line without continued reform and support from organizations and the government alike.