Shortages of medicines have become a major public health challenge. The aim of this study was to survey national measures to manage and combat these shortages. A questionnaire survey was conducted with public authorities involved in the Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement Information (PPRI)network. Reponses relating to measures as of March / April 2020 were received from 24 countries (22 European countries, Canada and Israel). In 20 countries, manufacturers are requested to notify – usually on an obligatory basis – upcoming and existing shortages, which are recorded in a register. Furthermeasures include a regular dialogue with relevant stakeholders (18 countries), financial sanctions formanufacturers in cases of non-supply and/or non-compliance with reporting or stocking requirements(15 countries) and simplified regulatory procedures (20 countries). For defined medicines, supply reserveshave been established (14 countries), and legal provisions allow the issuing of export bans (10 countries).Some measures have been introduced since the end of 2019 and countries are planning and discussingfurther action. While governments reacted by taking national measures, the COVID-19 crisis might serveas an opportunity to join forces in cross-country collaboration and develop joint (e.g. European) solutions to address the shortage issue in a sustainable manner. A practical first step could be to work on aharmonisation of the national registers.