(The Epoch Times)—A trip to the pharmacy has become a gamble for patients across America as shelves are short on critical medications.
Nearly 96 percent of pharmacy technicians surveyed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board reported shortages of essential drugs—from chemotherapy and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder meds to much-needed anesthetics and popular diabetes and weight loss drugs, including Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy.
“Drug shortages are affecting many areas of pharmacy practice, such as retail, compounding and hospitals,” Anthony Longo, a doctor of pharmacy and director of pharmacy at Northwell Long Island Jewish Forest Hills in Queens, NY, told The Epoch Times.
The crisis highlights the need for urgent policy solutions to ensure supply of essential medications.
Patients Often Leave Without Needed Medicine
The impact of drug shortages, especially for cancer medications, can be devastating for patients. When unable to obtain needed medicines, patients may rely on less effective alternative treatments, resulting in higher healthcare costs, longer hospitalizations, and increased risk of adverse reactions.
To address shortage issues, 90 percent of surveyed technicians said they offer substitute drugs when available. However, almost half the time (45 percent), patients still leave without their needed medication.
When no equivalent drug exists, nearly one-third of technicians turn to in-house compounding, while just 6 percent refer to external pharmacies. In-house compounding of drugs refers to the practice of preparing customized medications within a healthcare facility, such as a hospital, pharmacy, or medical clinic, rather than obtaining commercially available medications.
Some report collaborating with other pharmacy teams to get the needed meds. “We run weekly shortage calls as a system to address shortages,” one respondent said in a statement. Another said they prioritize reacting swiftly to prevent lapses in care. Some have gone as far as contacting drug representatives to locate medications for patients.
“It’s no surprise that pharmacy technicians are actively working on solutions to mitigate drug shortages for their patients,” PTCB CEO William Schimmel said in a statement. “I’m impressed by the spirit of collaboration, even outside of the pharmacy where they work.”
Shortages Are Already Having Critical Impact on Patient Care
This pharmacy technician survey echoes the findings of an American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) survey conducted in the summer. Drug shortages severely impact patients and healthcare staff,” Michael Ganio, who has a doctor of pharmacy degree and is the senior director of pharmacy practice and quality at ASHP, said.
These shortages also overburden pharmacy technicians already facing staff shortages. “This is an unsustainable reality for the entire healthcare system,” he added.
In July, the ASHP released survey results on the current drug shortage crisis. Conducted from June 23 to July 14, the online survey gathered responses from 1,123 participants. The ASHP reported over 300 active shortages at end of Q2 2023—”the highest in nearly a decade and close to the all-time high of 320 shortages,” according to the survey.
In July, too, nearly all respondents confirmed experiencing shortages.
Additionally, 32 percent called them “critically impactful,” which was defined as rationing, delaying, or canceling treatments or procedures. Of that group, nearly 60 percent reported chemotherapy drug shortages as most detrimental.
‘Extreme’ Competition and Other Factors Causing Shortages
The ASHP recommends policy solutions targeting key drivers of generic drug shortages—quality control, supply chain disruptions, and extreme price competition.
Low profit margins for generic drugs are a major factor in shortages. Intense competition has decreased profitability of certain generics, disincentivizing investment from manufacturers, according to the ASHP. Some shift capacity to more profitable drugs rather than fix issues in producing less profitable generics. This has caused certain companies to cease making these drugs altogether.
“This issue requires quick action from Congress to address the underlying causes of shortages and ensure patients have the medications they need,” ASHP Chief Executive Officer Paul W. Abramowitz, said in a statement.
Three Reasons a Coffee Gift Set From This Christian Company Is Perfect for Christmas
When you’re searching for a Christmas gift that’s meaningful, useful, and rooted in faith, you don’t want to settle for anything generic. This season is filled with noise — mass-produced products, last-minute picks, and trends that fade as quickly as they appear. But one gift stands apart because it blends genuine quality with a message that matters: a coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee.
This small Christian-owned company has become a favorite among believers who want to support faith-driven businesses while giving friends and family something they’ll actually enjoy. Here are three reasons a Promised Grounds Coffee gift set may be the most thoughtful and impactful present you give this year.
1. It’s Truly Delicious Coffee
Too many “gift-worthy” coffees look beautiful in the package but disappoint when the cup is poured. Promised Grounds takes the opposite approach — exceptional taste first, thoughtful presentation second.
Their beans are sourced with care, roasted in small batches, and crafted to bring out a rich, smooth flavor profile that appeals to both casual drinkers and true coffee lovers. Whether someone enjoys bold, dark roasts or lighter, more delicate blends, every sip reflects quality that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest specialty brands.
Simply put: this coffee is good. Really good. Some say it’s absolutely fantastic. If you want a gift that won’t be re-gifted, ignored, or shoved in a cabinet, this is it.
2. It Spreads the Word While Serving a Real Purpose
There are many Christian gifts that are meaningful… but not exactly practical. There are also useful gifts that have nothing to do with faith. Promised Grounds Coffee bridges both worlds beautifully.
Each gift set delivers an encouraging, faith-centered message through its packaging and presentation — a simple but powerful reminder of God’s goodness during the Christmas season. The cups are especially popular and serve as a daily reminder of the blessings from our Lord. At the same time, the product itself is something people will actually use and appreciate every single day.
It’s a gift that uplifts the spirit and fills the mug. A gift that points loved ones toward Scripture while still being part of the normal rhythm of life. And in a culture that increasingly pushes faith to the margins, giving a gift that quietly but confidently honors Christ can make a deeper impact than you might expect.
3. It’s Affordable, Valuable, and Elegantly Presented
Many people want to give something meaningful without breaking their Christmas budget. Promised Grounds Coffee strikes that perfect balance — the sets look and feel premium, but the price remains accessible.
The packaging is classy, clean, and gift-ready, making it ideal for:
- Family members of all ages
- Co-workers or employees
- Church friends or small-group leaders
- Hosts, neighbors, and last-minute gift needs
It’s the kind of gift that feels more expensive than it is — and more thoughtful than most of what you’ll find on store shelves.
The Perfect Blend of Faith, Flavor, and Christmas Cheer
A coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee checks every box: a gift that tastes amazing, conveys your faith, supports a Christian business, and brings daily enjoyment to the person who receives it. In a season when so many gifts are forgotten, this one stands out for all the right reasons.
If you want a Christmas present that reflects your values and delivers genuine joy, Promised Grounds Coffee is the perfect place to start.
Big PHARMA’s plan —— everything is on track!! Equity medicine and equity doctors —getting worse every decade beginning at least several decades ago!?
And yes, it is rather chilling!