November 16, 2021 – Several industry groups have announced they are collaborating with port leaders to test tools and processes for prioritizing medical supply containers, in order to find new ways to get medical supplies and equipment into the hands of healthcare providers and frontline workers more quickly and efficiently.
The proactive leadership of the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports, terminal operator SSA Marine and its technology partner eModal are working with The Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA) (Alexandria, VA), Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed), and International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA).
In a press release, HIDA also thanked the group’s federal partners at the Federal Maritime Commission and White House Supply Chain Disruption Task Force.
“We will continue to engage with ports and other transport system stakeholders to identify impactful ways to expedite medical supplies and equipment,” HIDA said. “Hospitals and other care settings depend on a reliable U.S. transportation system to receive critical medical supplies and equipment. An unpredictable system negatively impacts patient care and public health.
“Essential medical supplies and equipment need a “fast pass” through the transportation system to support COVID-19 response, flu season, and necessary surgeries and treatments that were delayed due to the pandemic.”