Hurricane Helen’s devastating damage and flooding in southeastern states could impact the country’s medical supply chain.
Hospitals across the country are bracing for possible shortages of essential intravenous fluids after a major manufacturing plant in North Carolina was flooded in a major storm.
The plant is Baxter International’s North Cove manufacturing facility in Marion, about 55 miles northeast of Asheville. Helen dumped unprecedented amounts of rain across the western part of the state, killing dozens of people and destroying many communities, homes, and other structures, including factories.
The North Cove plant produces 60% of the nation’s IV fluid supply and typically produces 1.5 million bags per day. According to the American Hospital Association. of Dozens of sterile solutions Baxter products manufactured at the facility are used in everything from intravenous hydration and drug delivery to peritoneal dialysis, which is used to treat kidney failure.
Baxter CEO Jose Almeida said, “Our hearts and thoughts are with everyone affected by Hurricane Helen.” Statement of September 29th. “The safety of our employees, their families, and the communities in which we operate remains our top concern, and we are committed to ensuring a reliable supply of products to patients. Restoration efforts are already underway and we are devoting human resources to restarting production and ensuring that patients and healthcare providers have the products they need. This is to make it possible. ”
critical supplies
On Oct. 2, Brigham, Massachusetts’ largest hospital and health care system, alerted employees in an email that read, “We have issued the following warning:Severe and immediate shortage of IV fluids” reported the Boston Globe.
