Summary: ECRI has released a resource to help healthcare leaders mitigate risks of supply chain shortages caused by Hurricane Helene and a strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association. The resource offers market analysis and alternative product recommendations to address potential shortages of critical medical supplies.

Key Takeaways:

  • ECRI’s report identifies alternative manufacturers for IV products affected by the Baxter facility shutdown due to hurricane damage.
  • The strike by U.S. dockworkers could cause significant disruptions in the medical device supply chain, especially for imported goods and raw materials.

ECRI is closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Helene and a union strike on the global healthcare supply chain market, and has released a resource for healthcare leaders to mitigate the risks of supply shortages.

Hurricane and Strike Threaten Healthcare Supply Chain

According to ECRI, the healthcare supply chain is at risk of shortages and inefficiencies due to destruction caused by Hurricane Helene along the southeast coast of the U.S., and the strike of the International Longshoremen’s Association. Since a Baxter International Inc. facility in North Carolina halted production due to hurricane damage, medical facilities may experience shortages of normal saline, dialysis solutions, and other IV products that are critical for patient care.

ECRI has published a market analysis and functional equivalents device report to help healthcare providers navigate shortages caused by the Baxter facility shutdown. The report from ECRI’s unique database and experts identifies up to three alternatives from other manufacturers to the affected IV and irrigation solutions.

“Our hearts are with those who experienced tragedy and loss from the devastating storm and flooding caused by Hurricane Helene,” said Tim Browne, vice president of ECRI’s global supply chain solutions. “We extend our gratitude to the healthcare staff and frontline workers tirelessly providing support and care in medical facilities in the hardest-hit communities along the southeast.”

Union Strike and Potential Supply Chain Disruptions

October 1 marks the beginning of a strike by U.S. dockworkers with the International Longshoremen’s Association. The strike will stop the flow of a wide variety of goods over the docks of almost all cargo ports from Maine to Texas. ECRI supply team experts expect significant disruptions in the medical device supply chain, particularly for imported goods and raw materials, if the situation persists.

“We are actively supporting our supply chain partners in their efforts to ensure patients receive the safest and most efficient care possible, especially during times of supply disruption,” added Browne. “By sharing ECRI’s insights, we hope to help keep more medical facilities stocked with the supplies their patients need for life-saving care.”