Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Hurricanes Helene and Milton have come and gone, but the disruption to medical equipment production still remains.
Congressman Tim Kennedy says after Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to Baxter International's North Cove manufacturing facility in Marion, North Carolina, IV fluid production came to a halt.
"Last week, more than 86% of healthcare providers were experiencing IV solution shortages, which are essential to carrying out medical procedures. Our region was not spared," Kennedy stated. "Instances of patients in Western New York who were not able to receive elective surgeries brings renewed attention to the importance of securing the supply chain, and ensuring that individuals across our community and every community in the United States get access to quality health care when they need it."
Kennedy says medical industries across the country need to strengthen and diversify their supply chains before another natural disaster strikes.
"More frequently and severe weather event are making communities like ours vulnerable to supply chain issues - when those shortages affect medical supplies, the result can be dire," Kennedy stated.
Kennedy has sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration, seeking information on the steps these agencies have taken to address the shortage and what policies will be implemented to prevent a similar situation in the future.
Kennedy also requested the Government Accountability Office to issue a report with policy recommendations for Congress and federal agencies to prevent medical shortages in the future.
