Anesthetic drug shortages in Pakistan: a multicentre nationwide survey

There is a paucity of literature on anesthetic drug shortages and their impact on patient safety in lower-middle-income countries. We sought to determine the magnitude of the problem, the effect on patient care and safety, and the adverse patient outcomes witnessed by anesthesiologists in Pakistan

We conducted a nationwide, multicentre, cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of anesthesiologists in Pakistan (January 2021 to June 2021). The survey questionnaire was adapted from the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) survey on drug shortages and was modified based on the national essential medication list 2018 of Pakistan. It was distributed through Google Forms to anesthesiologists practicing in both the private and government sector. The names of hospitals or the identity of anesthesiologists was not required. The questionnaire consisted of 20 items and focused on the anesthesiologists’ experience of drug shortages, the availability of drugs, and the impact of drug shortages on their individual practice.

Two hundred and forty-six responses were received. Approximately 50% (122/246) of anesthesia practitioners in Pakistan reported anesthetic drug shortages. Fifty-seven percent of respondents mentioned using an inferior drug that may have significantly affected the delivery of anesthetic care. Four participants mentioned severe morbidity and another four mentioned observing a mortality associated with drug shortage.

Anesthetic drug shortages are common in anesthetic practice in Pakistan and they appear to affect patient care and outcomes.