Australian hospitals postpone screening tests as world grapples with shortage of imaging dyes

Australian Medical Association backs delay of non-urgent tests but says supply issues highlight need for national stockpile of critical medical supplies

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Public hospitals in Australia are postponing non-urgent screening tests and are recommending doctors consider alternative imaging options as the health system grapples with a global shortage of medical imaging dyes, widely used in diagnostic tests such as CT scans.

The shortage of medical imaging dyes is further proof Australia needs to develop a national stockpile of critical medical supplies and increase its domestic manufacturing of crucial medicines, the Australian Medical Association has said.

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