Kolkata: An acute shortage of albumin, a life-saving supplement used for patients with low blood volume or those recovering from major surgeries, has resulted in longer ICU stays and increased expenses.
Several hospital authorities reported that the albumin scarcity has forced them to switch to alternatives that work more slowly, are less effective, and, in some cases, are even more expensive.
“We observed a noticeable rise in the duration of stay and treatment costs for patients admitted to ITU and critical care units,” Supriyo Chakrabarty, group adviser of BP Poddar Hospital, told TOI. One of the main reasons for that, he said, was an acute shortage of human albumin. “This vital supplement”, he explained, “is crucial for patients with low blood volume, inadequate albumin production, or those recovering from major surgeries like coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Additionally, conditions like liver, kidney or lung diseases, as well as infections, often lead to hypoalbuminemia (low blood albumin levels), requiring supplementation for recovery and preventing complications.”
Chakrabarty added that the shortage has nearly doubled the price of albumin, increasing costs by an average of Rs 50,000 per patient.
A senior intensivist at a private hospital reported being forced to resort to protein supplementation, which is far less effective.
“Prolonged hospital stays and higher treatment costs have been quite frequent in recent weeks,” the intensivist said. The longer stays were, in turn, complicating bed availability management.
“With winter approaching, the number of COPD admissions is rising rapidly. Many of these patients require ITU care with relatively long stays, creating a challenge in managing bed availability,” they explained.
The Bengal Chemists’ and Druggists’ Association (BCDA) stated that supplies began drying up two to three months ago.
“There are three-four manufacturers which supply albumin,” said Sajal Ganguly, former BCDA secretary.
“Since the shortage occurred, a section of retailers and hospitals have been procuring it from sources in Ahmedabad. Others are procuring it at a higher price from a big manufacturer that used to previously sell it for Rs 6,000 but is now selling it for Rs 8,000. A few small pharmaceuticals are now supplying albumin, but their quality remains suspect,” he added.
Among the larger hospitals, Peerless Hospital authorities reported facing a severe crisis over the past two months. The hospital typically requires around 150 bottles of albumin per month but has been struggling to procure even 140 bottles, according to a source.
“We are acquiring stocks from three distributors and have been barely managing to meet the requirement. The entire supply is sourced from China and Europe, and there is apparently some disruption in the supply chain. If this continues, we are headed for a crisis,” said CEO Sudipta Mitra.
Charnock Hospital has also been affected. “There is a nationwide scarcity of albumin, though the situation has not reached a critical level yet,” said MD Prashant Sharma.
Of the four varieties of albumin used in medical care, the low-salt variety has been unavailable, noted Woodlands Hospital critical care in-charge Soutik Panda. “While we have enough stocks for now, a supply slowdown could hit everyone hard,” Panda said.
