Sen. Richard Blumenthal sent a letter Thursday to the U.S. Government Accountability Office seeking an investigation into drug shortages that have plagued the nation's hospitals.
"The difficulty that hospitals encounter in securing an adequate supply of certain drugs forces doctors to ration their supply of medication, delay medical procedures and use alternative products that may carry with them unwanted side effects or be unfamiliar to the physicians prescribing them," Blumenthal wrote.
The letter was faxed to the office of Gene L. Dodaro, comptroller general of the United States. Dodaro's office did not respond Thursday to a call and e-mail requesting comment.
In the past few years, the number of drugs in short supply has increased dramatically. According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 148 drugs were in short supply in 2010 and 157 in 2009. In 2006, the number was just under 50.
Friday, March 04, 2011
Blumenthal Requests Investigation Into Drug Shortage - Courant.com
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