The FDA may move to allow the temporary importation of intravenous fluids and related products from overseas manufacturing sites to address critical shortages exacerbated by Hurricane Helene, the agency told Becker's Oct. 9.

Baxter on Oct. 8 said it has resumed shipments of IV products to hospitals and dialysis patients after a temporary week-long hold and is inspecting finished goods to support current allocations. Baxter also said several of the manufacturer's global plants are ramping production to meet U.S. needs and expect to receive product from the sources throughout October. 

The American Hospital Association  called on President Biden to declare the current intravenous IV solution shortage a national emergency in an Oct. 7 news release, citing significant challenges for healthcare providers across the U.S. 

The healthcare industry is facing significant supply chain challenges that are starting to disrupt essential services. Between the temporary Baxter North Cove plant closure and the East and Gulf Coast port strikes, hospitals are beginning to feel the impact, raising concerns about the availability of critical intravenous solutions and other essential medical supplies. 

The Biden administration awarded more than $367 million in contracts to bolster the Strategic National Stockpile with personal protective equipment, specifically isolation gowns, as part of an effort to prepare for future public health emergencies. 

The International Longshoremen's Association and the United States Maritime Alliance have reached a tentative agreement on wages, leading to the suspension of the East Coast and Gulf Coast port strike. 

CMS announced a series of assistance measures and flexibilities for Medicare fee-for-service providers and suppliers impacted by Hurricane Helene. 

Hospitals across the nation are conserving IV fluids amid a new shortage of supplies — the latest example of fallout from Hurricane Helene. 

Amid challenges related to the global supply chain that are not expected to wane in the near future, CEOs should prioritize that aspect of their organizations, David Garfield, global head of industries for consulting firm AlixPartners, wrote in a Sept. 30 article in the Harvard Business Review.

In light of recent challenges facing the healthcare supply chain, including the impact of Hurricane Helene and the port strike by the International Longshoremen's Association, the nonprofit Emergency Care Research Institute has outlined best practices to help supply chain leaders mitigate potential disruptions. 

This article is based on findings from the 2024 Healthcare Procurement and AI Playbook from Staples Business Advantage (SBA). Respondents' comments have been edited for length and clarity. Introduction In today's dynamic healthcare environment, building resilient supply chains is crucial for ensuring operational continuity and patient care. By adopting a strategic approach that combines innovation, collaboration, and traditional methods, procurement leaders can navigate challenges and foster long-term success.

74% of procurement leaders are using AI. Experts share insights to revolutionize your logistics – here. In an era where healthcare systems are under increasing pressure to deliver high-quality care while managing costs effectively, the optimization of sourcing and logistics has become a critical focus area.

In a historic move, over 45,000 dockworkers across 36 East and Gulf Coast ports have struck following expiration of their contract early this morning. 

Baxter International temporarily closed its North Cove facility in Marion, N.C., due to severe flooding from Hurricane Helene. 

Since implementing a cloud-based platform in 2021, Baltimore-based University of Maryland Medical Center has worked to optimize the efficiency of bill-only transactions in the supply chain. Data from the deployment of Gallion showed the platform has cut transaction completion times by 75% and reduced error rates from 18% to 3% across UMMS' 11 hospitals. 

In anticipation of thousands of East Coast dockworkers going on strike Oct. 1, U.S. healthcare suppliers have already rerouted shipments, according to Vizient.

Smiths Medical is recalling its paraPAC Plus ventilators because of the possibility that the patient outlet connector could loosen or detach, affecting active ventilation. 

Cardinal Health plans to acquire Integrated Oncology Network for $1.115 billion in cash, expanding its business into oncology services, according to a Sept. 20 news release from the company. 

On Sept. 19, the Emergency Care Research Institute recognized 12 health systems and hospitals for their exemplary supply chain management. 

Smiths Medical has recalled and removed Bivona neonatal/pediatric and adult tracheostomy tubes due to a manufacturing defect that can cause the securement flange of the device to tear, which can cause loss of ventilation and loss of protected airway.