U.S. hospitals struggle as storms cut medical products supply chain
U.S. hospitals face significant challenges as storms disrupt the supply chain for medical products.
TroibNews 
Healthcare providers across the United States are facing a significant shortage of medical products due to supply chain disruptions caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, particularly affecting intravenous (IV) fluids.
Mass General Brigham, the largest hospital-based research entity in the U.S., announced on Friday that it would delay non-emergency, elective procedures from Sunday until at least Wednesday. The organization expressed uncertainty regarding when the supply of IV fluids might improve, given the nationwide shortage.
According to a survey released Thursday by Premier Inc., a healthcare logistics company, over 86 percent of healthcare providers in the country are currently experiencing shortages of IV fluids.
This issue began when Hurricane Helene inflicted damage on a Baxter IV plant in North Carolina late last month, resulting in a loss of 60 percent of the nation’s IV solution supply for an indeterminate period.
In response to the fluid shortage, hospitals are providing alternatives such as Gatorade or Pedialyte to help patients maintain hydration whenever feasible. Mass General Brigham has encouraged the use of oral hydration and prepares IV fluid bags only when absolutely necessary.
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra indicated in a letter dated October 9 to healthcare leaders that the supply might "continue to be constrained" in the upcoming weeks, with Hurricane Milton potentially exacerbating "an already fragile market."
The Food and Drug Administration, along with Baxter, are working to identify alternative products for IV, dialysis, and nutrition. The agency is also hastening its review of requests from manufacturers to extend the shelf life of certain products.
However, the Premier survey noted that smaller medical facilities, specifically those with 25 or fewer beds, are more likely to have their IV orders completely unfilled. There is heightened concern for dialysis patients who depend on IV treatments at home.
The American Hospital Association has urged the Biden administration to take more decisive actions, such as invoking the Defense Production Act to prioritize the production of IV solutions and eliminating obstacles to importing products from international suppliers.
Read more:
Florida counts cost of Hurricane Milton amid political storm.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
Mass General Brigham, the largest hospital-based research entity in the U.S., announced on Friday that it would delay non-emergency, elective procedures from Sunday until at least Wednesday. The organization expressed uncertainty regarding when the supply of IV fluids might improve, given the nationwide shortage.
According to a survey released Thursday by Premier Inc., a healthcare logistics company, over 86 percent of healthcare providers in the country are currently experiencing shortages of IV fluids.
This issue began when Hurricane Helene inflicted damage on a Baxter IV plant in North Carolina late last month, resulting in a loss of 60 percent of the nation’s IV solution supply for an indeterminate period.
In response to the fluid shortage, hospitals are providing alternatives such as Gatorade or Pedialyte to help patients maintain hydration whenever feasible. Mass General Brigham has encouraged the use of oral hydration and prepares IV fluid bags only when absolutely necessary.
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra indicated in a letter dated October 9 to healthcare leaders that the supply might "continue to be constrained" in the upcoming weeks, with Hurricane Milton potentially exacerbating "an already fragile market."
The Food and Drug Administration, along with Baxter, are working to identify alternative products for IV, dialysis, and nutrition. The agency is also hastening its review of requests from manufacturers to extend the shelf life of certain products.
However, the Premier survey noted that smaller medical facilities, specifically those with 25 or fewer beds, are more likely to have their IV orders completely unfilled. There is heightened concern for dialysis patients who depend on IV treatments at home.
The American Hospital Association has urged the Biden administration to take more decisive actions, such as invoking the Defense Production Act to prioritize the production of IV solutions and eliminating obstacles to importing products from international suppliers.
Read more:
Florida counts cost of Hurricane Milton amid political storm.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
