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November 5, 2024
Healthcare Supply Chain Crisis: Hospitals Face Ongoing Shortages and Rationing
Becker's Hospital Review
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Contributed by: Kate Gamble
Summary
Healthcare supply chain challenges, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to create shortages of essential medical supplies and medications in hospitals. Despite the easing of pandemic-related pressures, facilities are still facing significant resource inadequacies, particularly highlighted by the recent nationwide IV fluid shortage following Hurricane Helene's flooding of Baxter International's production site. Contributing factors include natural disasters, labor shortages, and heightened consumer demand. A Senate report indicated that drug shortages reached a five-year peak in 2022, affecting patient care with 295 active shortages. Experts propose various strategies to enhance supply chain resilience in hospitals.
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