Supply Chain

Every year in October, National Healthcare Supply Chain Week aims to increase awareness of the vital work that supply chain professionals perform every day. And let’s face it, this past year their work has been more vital than ever.

Medical device recalls, whether voluntary or mandated by the FDA, ensure patient safety. Nineteen medical supply recalls reported by Becker's Hospital Review since June 25: 

Inflation has surged in recent months due to pandemic-related pressures, including such supply chain issues as shipping trouble and a strong demand for goods from Asia, The New York Times reported Oct. 1. 

Norco, a regional supplier of medical oxygen based in Boise, Idaho, has sent a notice to hospitals that oxygen is being used at "astounding rates" and asked the hospitals to conserve oxygen supplies when possible, the Idaho Statesman reported Sept.…

Ten health systems have posted job listings for supply chain expertise in the last week:

Supply chain industry trade groups warned of a "global transport system collapse" if governments don't restore freedom of movement to transport workers in an open letter sent Sept. 29 to heads of state attending the United Nations General Assembly. 

The White House has extended tariff exemptions for certain medical supplies needed to address the COVID-19 pandemic through Nov. 14. 

The Red Cross said Sept. 27 that its blood supply is at the lowest level it's been at this time of year since 2015, as hospitals across the country face blood shortages.

The American Hospital Association has urged U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to extend tariff exemptions on medical supplies imported from China, arguing the tariff exemption is necessary to "ensure hospitals and health systems have the supplies they need so they…

Ten health systems have posted job listings for supply chain expertise in the last week: