October 11, 2024- Hurricane season has continued to strain the nation’s supply of IV fluids to hospitals and dialysis centers across the U.S., according to NPR. Flooding from Hurricane Helene recently shut down one of Baxter International’s facilities, which is the nation’s largest supplier of fluids that are critical to the healthcare industry. Now, both Baxter and government officials are working to ensure that existing shortages aren’t worsened by the natural disasters.
On Wednesday, October 9, the FDA announced it has authorized 19 IV products for temporary importation from Canada, China, Ireland and the U.K, according to NPR. Baxter is also limiting how much of its IV fluids customers like hospitals can buy to prevent hoarding and to try to ensure equitable access to the supply that is available. The company is also trying to increase manufacturing at its other facilities to bridge the gap.
According to NPR, the limits on supply, however, are easing somewhat. Baxter hopes to reopen the North Carolina facility in phases and get back to allowing customers to order close to normal amounts of certain products by the end of the year, according to a recent Baxter press release.
Meanwhile, a second facility making the crucial medical products had to close its doors this week because of Hurricane Milton. The B. Braun factory making IV fluids in Daytona Beach, Florida was not seriously impacted in the storm, company spokesperson Allison Longenhagen told NPR, and it will reopen Friday.
Continue Reading from NPR.