Life-saving medicines frequently in short supply and doctors are worried

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ABC analysis reveals the important medicines that are repeatedly hard to source, highlighting supply chain weaknesses that could get worse.

New ABC analysis has revealed the important medicines that have repeatedly been in shortage, highlighting supply chain weaknesses that could get worse.

It's a long-lasting penicillin and a life-saver for many Australians with syphilis or rheumatic heart disease.

Trouble is, there's a global shortage and Australia's emergency supplies ran out in September.

And, as it turns out, this isn't the first time this important medicine has been in short supply.

Medicine shortages are reported on the Therapeutic Goods Administration's (TGA) website.

For this story, we tracked shortages going back to 2015, including some that were expected to continue into next year.

Bicillin L-A 1.2 million units went into shortage in April 2025, and isn't expected to be back to normal until March next year.

It's been labelled a critical shortage, which means there could be a risk of life-threatening or serious impacts.

It also means there's not enough supply or no other suitable replacement on the Australian market.

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