About & Resources

Canada's mandatory health product shortage and discontinuation reporting website is operated by Cistel Technology Inc. under contract with Health Canada.

Drug shortages are a complex global problem. Health Canada recognizes the negative impact of drug shortages on patients, health care professionals and the health care system, and works together with stakeholders to build a more open and secure drug supply system. Everyone has a role to play in addressing drug shortages. Further information about the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders can be found in the MSSC Multi-Stakeholder Toolkit.

Accessing the Drug Shortages public API is possible using a variety of digital tools. The following code provides examples for some of these.

The Requests library is a popular...

The website now provides public access to the health product shortage and discontinuation report database through an Application Programming Interface (API). The API allows developers to access...

How to create a new company user accountLog in to HealthProductShortages.ca with a valid company administrator account provided by Health Canada*.*Only those users with a valid company administrator...

Website overview for public users

Health Product Shortages Canada is the website for reporting health product shortages and discontinuations in Canada. Regulated parties must report when...

The Guide to reporting drug shortages and discontinuations is intended for those who hold a drug authorization issued by Health Canada.  In this guide, you will find information that will help...

In June 2013, the MSSC has also developed a Multi-Stakeholder Toolkit. The Toolkit describes the Canadian drug supply chain, clarifies roles and responsibilities of key players, and identifies the...

In 2013, the MSSC has developed the Protocol for the Notification and Communication of Drug Shortages. The Protocol sets clear expectations in anticipation of, or in response to a drug shortage....

In June 2012, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health tabled a report: Drug Supply in Canada: A Multi-Stakeholder Responsibility, in which they noted the numerous causes of possible...

Globally, manufacturing issues are the most commonly cited cause of drug shortages. Acknowledging this reality the MSSC, in collaboration with drug manufacturers, has developed Preventing Drug...