The U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing an increased Center for Devices and Radiological Health budget that would focus on fixing shortages and supply chain issues, reports MedTech Dive. 

As part of President Joe Biden’s budget request, FDA is seeking an approximately 8% increase to the budget of its Devices and Radiological Health division to strengthen the domestic supply chain and address backlogs built up over the coronavirus pandemic.

The agency has earmarked almost half of the extra funding for work related to shortages and supply chain. FDA said it needs to step up spending to help the U.S. reduce its reliance on products from China and other countries and strengthen its ability to respond to emergencies. Other areas of increased investment include inspections, where FDA is requesting an extra $3 million to help its device team work through a backlog that built up during the COVID-19 crisis.

Read more at MedTech Dive.Â