Supply Chain Slowdown Affecting Some Healthcare Facilities

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  As the U.S. battles a slowdown in its overall supply chain, healthcare facilities are not exempt from feeling the pinch. "Gloves, particularly nitrile gloves, continue to be difficult for hospitals and health systems to source, as are diapers (adult and infant)," Mike Schiller, senior director of supply chain at the Association for Health Care Resource & Materials Management, said in an email. "Raw materials shortages continue to impact the health care supply chain, including aluminum, which impacts durable medical equipment including crutches, walkers, and canes." ...

Pharmacies are also reporting issues; a survey of 318 independent pharmacies by the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) found that 60% of respondents said they were affected by supply chain issues. ...

 

What can be done to solve the problem? One possible solution is developing a "fast pass" for medical supplies, said Linda Rouse O'Neill, vice president of supply chain policy and executive branch relations at the Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA). "Think of it as a Disney 'get to the front of the line' concept," she said. "How can we create that in a way that is recognized across the transportation system?

 

It's going to start with the ports -- some sort of system where that container is flagged and is recognized across the transportation system as having critical medical supplies that need to go to the front of the line. It's got to be off the ship first; it's got to go to the port first; it's got to get on the rail first; it's got to get on the chassis in the trucks first; and then it's got to go to small parcel first as well."  ...