TORONTO — The Ontario Medical Association has released a white paper outlining fears that rising COVID-19 cases and hospital admissions could limit drug supplies in coming weeks.
OMA president Dr. Samantha Hill said chronic drug shortages have worsened during the pandemic and may become more serious if hospitals are overwhelmed.
That includes essential and critical care medications propofol, ketamine, succinylcholine, fentanyl, and midazolam.
"Drug shortages can be catastrophic for patients, causing treatment delays, increased suffering, financial burden and an increased risk of overdose and underdose," Hill said Tuesday in a release.
China and India supply most of the active pharmaceutical ingredients used in North America.