Supply Chain

U.S. hospitals are experiencing a shortage of IV fluids, triggered by a disruption at Baxter's North Carolina plant following Hurricane Helene. As hospitals have scrambled to conserve supplies, at least one health system found it had been overusing IV fluids…

Cardinal Health has agreed to acquire a majority stake in GI Alliance, a gastroenterology management services organization, and Advanced Diabetes Supply Group for a combined total of $3.9 billion, according to an Nov. 11 news release from the company. 

Owens & Minor recognized three organizations with the 2024 Supplier Diversity Awards for their efforts in promoting diversity in the healthcare supply chain.

The maritime supply chain, which accounts for 80% of global trade volume, is facing several risks from geopolitical tensions and extreme weather, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies. 

By mid-November, Baxter expects its North Cove facility in Marion, N.C., to reach about 50% of the site's total production prior to Hurricane Helene-related flooding, according to a Nov. 7 update. 

An alliance of U.S. medical equipment manufacturers is urging lawmakers to implement tax incentives, enforce stricter labor and environment standards and impose higher tariffs on foreign medical supplies to bolster domestic production, according to an Nov. 5 news release from…

Tropical Storm Rafael, which is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it moves across the Gulf of Mexico, could disrupt the supply chain for IV solutions, according to a Nov. 5 news release from nonprofit Healthcare Ready. 

As advancements in medical technology become more integrated into patient care, the regulation of these devices has come under increasing scrutiny, The New York Times reported Nov. 1. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare supply chain issues were complex and plentiful, creating an unprecedented mess for hospitals struggling to care for an increased load of patients. 

Montgomery, Ala.-based Jackson Hospital has named Medline as its primary supplier for environmental services products. The partnership builds on their existing relationship, as Medline has been Jackson Hospital's medical surgical prime vendor for over nine years.