It has been reported that shortage of life-saving drugs is causing havoc at WA public hospitals. There is shortage of about 20 drugs which are essential in treating cancer and heart patients.

Concerned doctors are condemning pharmaceutical firms for causing a decline in supply.

Following shortage of essential medicines, doctors are thinking of bringing in substitute drugs to treat patients with life threatening diseases. It has also been revealed among cancer and heart medicines, the supply of penicillin has fallen short.

It has come to light that the hospitals have only one-week supply of penicillin. It has been informed that the shortage of penicillin will remain in the country till December. Following the shortage of drugs, medical staff has been advised not to prescribe branded drugs and opt for substitute drug to treat new patients. Moreover, sharing for drugs with other health practitioners has also been advised to be avoided.

It has been informed that the shortage in the supply of drug has resulted from growing global demand and delay in manufacturing the drugs. It is not the first time when Australia is facing shortage of medicine. Previously, the country witnessed acute shortage of drugs.