A recent survey found that many patient care facilities, including physicians’ offices and hospitals, across the nation, are experiencing lack of, and even worse, completely depleted supplies of prescription drugs, making it difficult for doctors to treat patients.

The American Hospital Association conducted the survey and The Wall Street Journal published the report. A key point noted was that, “among the findings from AHA’s online survey that drew responses from 820 of the nation’s 5,100 hospitals: 99.5 percent of hospitals reported one or more drug shortages in the last six months, and nearly half reported shortages of 21 or more drugs.”

Furthermore, stated in the report, “some 82 percent of those hospitals said they’ve delayed patient treatment because of shortages, or have been unable to treat patients as recommended.”

Drug shortages not only halt proper patient care, but they also effect pharmacists, as well as those within the physician services sector, by making it virtually impossible for healthcare professionals to do their jobs.

The problem is already costing more than $200 million to manage, thus far.

“Drug shortages are a national health crisis,” said Henri R. Manasse Jr., CEO of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

This is such a serious issue that it has gained recognition from Congress and the Preserving Access to Life-Saving Medications Act.