Nearly half of U.S. generic prescriptions originate in India, which relies on the Strait of Hormuz for the arrival of key inputs in drug manufacturing including petroleum-based materials, and for shipping finished medicines to the U.S.
People should not be worried about their medications yet, including high-volume ones for diabetes and hypertension, statins and antibiotics, as most medical distributors keep a 30- to 60-day supply on hand to withstand disruptions.
President Donald Trump is pressing other nations including NATO allies and China to help protect ships using the vital global marine traffic route. The risks from higher oil prices, and potential for drug shortages and delays, get more real every day.
