Queen’s University School of Medicine professor Jackie Duffin is available to talk about shortages of various prescription drugs, which some experts say are occurring more frequently.

Last fall federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq asked Canadian drug companies to voluntarily report shortages of certain drugs on public websites. But some health officials say the government should make this mandatory – an idea Dr. Duffin agrees with.

“Many of the shortages involve inexpensive generic drugs, and there is speculation that pharmaceutical manufacturers may be choosing to reduce production of these less profitable drugs to boost sales of more expensive brand-name drugs,” says Dr. Duffin. “Drug companies have an ethical duty to make sure Canadians have access to prescribed medications, many of which can be life-saving.”

Dr. Duffin created a website (www.canadadrugshortage.com) to highlight the problem.

To arrange an interview, please contact communication officers Michael Onesi (office: 613.533.6000 ext. 77513, cell:613-329-9104, michael.onesi@queensu.ca) or Anne Craig (office:613-533-2877, cell:613-484-3979, Anne.Craig@queensu.ca) at Queen’s University News and Media Services Department in Kingston, Ont., Canada.

Follow Queen’s News and Media Services on Twitter: http://twitter.com/QueensuMedia

Attention broadcasters: Queen’s has facilities to provide broadcast quality audio and video feeds. For television interviews, we can provide a live, real-time double ender from Kingston via fibre optic cable. Please call for details.