Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is urging her colleagues to pass a Senate bill that would provide some relief to sick patients dealing with a rise in drug shortages. Gillibrand told reporters in Midtown on Sunday that there have been more than 100 drug shortages this year alone and 14 life-saving cancer drugs in short supply.

The bill, which has bipartisan support, would require drug manufactures to notify the Food and Drug Administration six months in advance about medication shortages.

“it’s simply unacceptable that children already suffering from serious disease don’t know whether the medicines that they need to treat their illnesses will be available,” said Gillibrand.

“She’s getting so much better, and she’s doing a great job, but it was absolutely terrifying, and this legislation seems so important,” said Tracy Early, whose daughter has leukemia.

Companies that do not comply could face up to $1.8 million in fines.

(Source: NY1)