TL/DR –
Several US hospitals are facing IV fluid shortages due to a halt in production by major manufacturers caused by Hurricane Helene. Baxter International, which supplies about 60% of IV fluids to US hospitals, has temporarily closed its North Carolina facility for flood damage assessment. The shortages are being addressed with increased production by unaffected manufacturers and conservation measures, similar to 2017 when Hurricane Maria disrupted manufacturing.
Hurricane-Induced IV Fluid Shortages Plague US Hospitals
Following Hurricane Helene’s destructive flooding, hospitals in the US are experiencing a shortage of intravenous (IV) fluids as manufacturing plants were forced to cease operations.
Baxter International, the top supplier of IV fluids and producer of around 60% of America’s IV fluid bags, announced that its Marion, North Carolina-based facility would remain closed indefinitely due to flood damage.
Baxter’s CEO, José E. Almeida, described the company’s commitment to recovery efforts and its intention to minimise supply disruption for patients, emphasising that resources are being mobilised for the resumption of production in their official statement.
IV Fluid Supply Shortages Pose Grave Challenges
IV fluids, essential for treating dehydration and crucial during surgeries, are in short supply. Health care systems like Mass General Brigham are receiving only about 40% of their regular IV fluids supply from Baxter. Dr. Paul Biddinger, chief preparedness officer at Mass General Brigham, described the situation as one of the biggest shortages they’ve encountered.
Other IV fluid manufacturers, including ICU Medical and B. Braun, are increasing production to bridge the gap. B. Braun, unaffected by Hurricane Helene, is ramping up operations in California and Florida to prioritise critical IV fluids. They are also encouraging conservation, including the use of alternate hydration methods, as a reaction to the crisis.
Recurrence of IV Fluid Shortages
Manufacturing disruptions due to hurricanes are not a new phenomenon. Hospitals had to deal with similar IV fluid shortages in 2017 when Hurricane Maria struck. However, as Dr. Biddinger assured, the health care facilities are mindful of managing these critical supplies to ensure patients’ care remains unaffected.
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