Civica Rx is a non-profit group of hospitals with the goal of addressing both supply and cost issues of generic drugs. (Photo: Shutterstock)

A dozen more health systems have joined an effort to address chronic shortages of generic drugs at hospitals across the United States.

Civica Rx was first launched in January, 2018, as a non-profit organization based in Salt Lake City. The group originally consisted of seven large health systems that represented approximately 500 hospitals. CEO Martin VanTrieste said at the time that the group would work to address both supply and cost issues of generic drugs.

“Civica Rx will first seek to stabilize the supply of essential generic medications administered in hospitals, many of which have fallen into chronic shortage situations, putting patients at risk.” VanTrieste said. “The initiative will also result in lower costs and more predictable supplies of essential generic medicines, helping ensure that patients and their needs come first in the generic drug marketplace.”