Delayed shipments at ports in Los Angeles and Long Beach, Calif., have led to shortages in medical supplies across the country, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Nov. 28.
The Hospital Association of Southern California said although no acute shortages have been reported, administrators are concerned about the delayed shipments, according to the Chronicle.
While the ports have reduced container backlog by 26 percent after threatening fines in a Nov. 15 agenda, more than 40,000 containers have sat at the terminals for at least nine days.
The problems in California can be felt in pharmacies in New York. Tom D’Angelo, chairman of the Pharmacists Society of the State of New York, told Newsday in a Nov. 28 report he has experienced delays in generic blood pressure pills, cold medication and flu medication.
"We are in the same position as everyone else," Mr. D’Angelo said. "A lot of stuff is stuck on barges."
New York pharmacist Mukesh Patel told Newsday he has also experienced delays in receiving surgical supplies, such as gloves and masks.
The Chronicle reported lack of data in the supply chain makes it "nearly impossible" for experts to prioritize medical devices in shipments.