A shortage of cancer drugs, antibiotics and anaesthetics is being blamed for at least 15 deaths in the US.

Angry doctors say manufacturers seeking profits are to blame and politicians are now demanding action.

The medical fraternity says the problem is that the US Food and Drug Administration does not require companies to report impending shortages, so doctors, hospitals and patients are often blindsided by the lack of supply.

Al Jazeera's Kimberly Halkett has the story from Washington.