High demand to treat COVID 19 patients is creating shortages in key medications.

With the surge of COVID 19 patients, key medications are now included in the shortages of critical concern for treating patients. Antibiotics, antivirals and sedatives to treat patients requiring ventilators, are at the top of the shortage list, but there are also concerns on other drugs produced in countries where the pandemic has effected production.

The problem highlights the impact of unexpected demand and dependency of the U.S. on international pharmacy producers. Manufacturers in China, India and Europe produce bulk ingredients based on historical demand, making response time for unexpected demand difficult for the supply chain to respond to quickly. The problem is not being highlighted with courses of action being discussed for effective response. To read more.