The American Hospital Association is raising alarms over the potential fallout from a series of recently implemented tariffs, warning it could negatively impact patient care and worsen existing drug shortages.
AHA Chair Tina Freese Decker warned that tariffs on critical items like pharmaceuticals, medical devices and personal protective equipment could exacerbate drug shortages, drive up costs and disrupt care, according to a May 19 blog post from the association.
Citing past supply chain challenges such as the IV fluid shortage after Hurricane Helene, she emphasized the urgency around exempting essential medical imports from the tariffs.
“Tariffs on these items could impact patient care by jeopardizing the availability of vital medications and essential health care devices,” Ms. Decker said. “They also could raise costs for hospitals and heighten shortages and supply chain disruptions.”
AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack has called on the Trump administration to grant exemptions for medical supplies and drugs. The association also submitted formal comments to the Department of Commerce’s Section 232 investigation, urging the government to protect patient care.
Beyond immediate relief, the AHA is advocating for long-term legislative reforms to bolster supply chain resilience and is currently working with Congress to push for greater transparency and proactive mapping of pharmaceutical and medical device supply chains.
