Shortage of perioperative supplies and drugs: Theory and practical implications

Abstract

During the past three decades the world has been witness to an alarming increase in the shortage of drugs and biomedical products in the field of anesthesia and surgical care. This situation can be particularly challenging when there are no therapeutic alternatives available, as is the case with some supplies and drugs for perioperative use. Anesthesiologists, who play a crucial role in the preparation of the drugs they administer, are particularly aware of these shortages. The reasons for these shortages are diverse and involve problems in supply, demand and government regulation. Among the causes identified are the increase in demand, bidding systems and the sustainability challenges faced by pharmaceutical companies. It is essential to understand these causes in order to seek strategies to reduce the risk of shortages of medicines and supplies. Addressing this challenge requires improving supply chain management, fostering transparency in information on stock-outs, promoting local production of medicines, and strengthening procurement and distribution regulations and policies. The solution to this problem requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach, with multiple stakeholders working together to ensure adequate access to needed medications in the anesthesia and surgical care setting. © 2024 Sociedad Colombiana de Anestesiología y Reanimación (S.C.A.R.E.). This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license.