Nationwide IV Fluid Shortage Following Hurricane Helene
Hospitals across the U.S. are facing critical shortages of IV fluids due to the severe impact of Hurricane Helene, which has led to the closure of a major manufacturing plant in North Carolina responsible for producing 60% of the country's IV solutions. The flooding caused by the hurricane has resulted in significant disruptions in the supply chain, prompting hospitals, including those in Massachusetts and Minnesota, to brace for potential shortages and even cancel elective surgeries. Baxter International, the top IV fluid maker, has voiced uncertainty about the recovery timeline for its damaged facility. As communities work to rebuild, the healthcare sector grapples with the ramifications of the storm, which affected not just IV fluids, but also vital supplies for dialysis and other medical needs.
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