In March, the speed of U.S. hospital supply deliveries increased, but inventory levels decreased due to cost pressures and seasonal illnesses depleting supplies.
The hospital supply industry experienced growth for the 19th consecutive month but it is at its lowest level since August 2023, according to the Institute for Supply Management.
On a monthly basis, the Institute’s Purchasing Managers’ Index surveys U.S. hospital purchasing and supply executives on business activity, new orders, employment and supplier deliveries.
For the past five months, business activity and new orders have increased, the survey found. However, inventory levels contracted in March because high levels of respiratory illnesses depleted supplies and planned initiatives in response to cost pressures.
“Hospital Business Survey panelists continued to be concerned about the impact of tariffs and government funding reductions,” Nancy LeMaster, chair of the Institute for Supply Management, said in an April 7 statement. “Some panelists expressed concern that surgical volumes were constrained by economic uncertainty. Supplier deliveries were faster, although increased levels of product back orders were cited.”
Access the report here.
