Category: Supply Chain

Why 1 health system cut its daily IV fluid usage by half

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 …

Cardinal Health to buy GI Alliance, diabetes supply company for $3.9B

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.&…

What Trump tariffs could mean for US supply costs

During his campaign, President-elect Donald Trump made several propositions for the economy, including tariffs on foreign-made goods, according to a Nov. 6 report from Forbes.

Owens & Minor awards 3 organizations for advancing supplier diversity

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

Maritime supply chain disruptions: 5 notes

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. 

Baxter North Carolina site nears 50% of pre-Helene production

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. 

US devicemakers call for tax incentives, tariffs to bolster production: 4 things to know

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 …

Storm could threaten IV supplies on Gulf Coast: 3 things to know

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. 

The future of FDA's medical device unit: 4 notes

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. 

Why hospitals still can't get the supplies they need

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.