Another solution to drug shortages

May 13, 2014 — Re: Ignoring a solution to chronic drug shortages. There is another solution: the regular generic drug companies manufacture some predetermined excess of these drugs, have the government buy the excess, pay a negotiated price, and store them. When shortages arise, have the government sell them at the negotiated price plus costs. This will allow the manufacturers to make the drugs at a steady pace, expand their facilities to do so at no loss, and yet have drugs available at times of shortage.

— John R. Urbach, Redmond, Wash.