Medicine Shortage
Protamine shortage suspends open-heart surgeries in private clinics
A shortage of protamine, an essential drug to reverse heparin's effects in heart surgeries, has forced private clinics in Chile to suspend elective procedures. The scarcity stems from issues with the sole registered supplier, BPH S.A., which is struggling to release batches of the medication. While the public sector reports no suspensions, private institutions urgently seek state support.