Two North Carolina health systems are offering proposals to secure a 3D body scanner that would cost millions, The Charlotte Observer reported Oct. 15.

Medline is partnering with Microsoft on a tool aimed at improving supply chain operations. 

The Biden administration has invoked the Defense Production Act to expedite the rebuilding of Baxter International's IV fluid facility, where production was halted in the wake of flooding following Hurricane Helene, CBS News reported Oct. 15. 

After Hurricane Helene struck Baxter's site in North Cove facility in Marion, N.C. — the nation's main manufacturer of intravenous and peritoneal dialysis solutions — several healthcare organizations have shared conservation and drug shortage mitigation tips.

Baxter International started to import  IV fluids last week from two of its international manufacturing facilities to address supply shortages in the U.S. 

Medline has signed a multi-year prime vendor distribution agreement with Visalia, Calif.-based Kaweah Health, California's largest community healthcare organization which operates over 600 beds. 

The CDC issued a health advisory Oct. 12 with guidelines on how systems and leaders can manage the supply disruptions of peritoneal dialysis and intravenous solutions.

Hospitals and health systems nationwide are implementing conservation strategies and exploring alternatives to address the national shortage of IV fluids. 

Daytona Beach, Fla.-based B. Braun Medical plant, which produces nearly one-quarter of the IV fluids in the U.S., has emerged unscathed following Hurricane Milton, The New York Times reported Oct. 10. 

The FDA may move to allow the temporary importation of intravenous fluids and related products from overseas manufacturing sites to address critical shortages exacerbated by Hurricane Helene, the agency told Becker's Oct. 9.

Baxter on Oct. 8 said it has resumed shipments of IV products to hospitals and dialysis patients after a temporary week-long hold and is inspecting finished goods to support current allocations. Baxter also said several of the manufacturer's global plants are ramping production to meet U.S. needs and expect to receive product from the sources throughout October. 

The American Hospital Association  called on President Biden to declare the current intravenous IV solution shortage a national emergency in an Oct. 7 news release, citing significant challenges for healthcare providers across the U.S. 

The healthcare industry is facing significant supply chain challenges that are starting to disrupt essential services. Between the temporary Baxter North Cove plant closure and the East and Gulf Coast port strikes, hospitals are beginning to feel the impact, raising concerns about the availability of critical intravenous solutions and other essential medical supplies. 

The Biden administration awarded more than $367 million in contracts to bolster the Strategic National Stockpile with personal protective equipment, specifically isolation gowns, as part of an effort to prepare for future public health emergencies. 

The International Longshoremen's Association and the United States Maritime Alliance have reached a tentative agreement on wages, leading to the suspension of the East Coast and Gulf Coast port strike. 

CMS announced a series of assistance measures and flexibilities for Medicare fee-for-service providers and suppliers impacted by Hurricane Helene. 

Hospitals across the nation are conserving IV fluids amid a new shortage of supplies — the latest example of fallout from Hurricane Helene. 

Amid challenges related to the global supply chain that are not expected to wane in the near future, CEOs should prioritize that aspect of their organizations, David Garfield, global head of industries for consulting firm AlixPartners, wrote in a Sept. 30 article in the Harvard Business Review.

In light of recent challenges facing the healthcare supply chain, including the impact of Hurricane Helene and the port strike by the International Longshoremen's Association, the nonprofit Emergency Care Research Institute has outlined best practices to help supply chain leaders mitigate potential disruptions. 

This article is based on findings from the 2024 Healthcare Procurement and AI Playbook from Staples Business Advantage (SBA). Respondents' comments have been edited for length and clarity. Introduction In today's dynamic healthcare environment, building resilient supply chains is crucial for ensuring operational continuity and patient care. By adopting a strategic approach that combines innovation, collaboration, and traditional methods, procurement leaders can navigate challenges and foster long-term success.