Healthcare providers in the United States are facing a critical shortage of medical products due to disruptions in the supply chain caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, particularly affecting the availability of intravenous (IV) fluids.
Mass General Brigham, the largest hospital-based research enterprise in the U.S., has announced the postponement of non-emergent, elective procedures due to the uncertainty surrounding the improvement of the IV fluid supply. Over 86% of healthcare providers are experiencing shortages, following damage to a Baxter IV plant in North Carolina, which led to a significant reduction in the country’s IV solution supply.
Hospitals are adopting strategies to conserve IV fluids, such as using alternatives like Gatorade or Pedialyte for hydration. Despite efforts to address the shortage, concerns remain for dialysis patients relying on IV treatments at home.
The American Hospital Association has called for more assertive measures from the government to prioritize IV solution manufacturing and ease import barriers from foreign suppliers, amid ongoing challenges in the healthcare industry.
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