This post is based on the NBC article, Drug Shortages Are Rising and Pose a National Security Risk, New Report Warns B, by R. Shabad and J. Tsirkin, March 22, 2023, and the YouTube video in the Spotlight. Image source: Tero Vesalainen/Shutterstock. 

Discussion Questions: 

1. This week's Chapter 20 outlines how companies facilitate inventory management. After watching the video above and reading the article, list and explain the primary causes of critical drug inventory shortages? Can you identify reasons for inventory shortages other than those mentioned in the article? 2. Should hospitals and pharmacies stockpile critical drugs whenever they can? Why or why not? Are there advantages/disadvantages to stockpiling? 3. Have you or someone you know been affected by drug inventory shortages? If so, how did you or they handle the lack of inventory? Would you be willing to order drugs from foreign markets where they are cheaper and seem to be more readily available? Why or Why not? 4. Research and describe the production process of a generic drug. Could it contribute to shortages or help increase inventories? Explain your answer.