Gomers -- What's going wrong

HARD DRIVES HARDER TO GET: Severe floods in Thailand are causing a shortage of computer hard drives in Eastern Iowa and the United States. Why? Because a big share of the world's supply of computer replacement parts are made in Thailand, where many factories have been heavily damaged by flooding that began in late July. As a result, the cost of hard drives has more than doubled. On the other hand, the shortage has increased demand for reconditioned hard drives, expanding a domestic market that includes local suppliers.

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MEDICINES HARD TO FIND: A growing national shortage of medical drugs is affecting Eastern Iowa hospitals and pharmacies, The Gazette reported last week. The medications in short supply include 60 that area considered critical to patient help, such as chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics and pain medicine. And many are older generic drugs that are still in demand and useful. Nationwide, 82 percent of hospitals report delaying treatment because of a drug shortage. Local hospitals and pharmacies are working together to share supplies and find suitable alternatives.

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