In Marion, North Carolina, a Baxter manufacturing plant was ruined by the intense waters of Helene. As it turns out, this factory generates most of America’s IV fluids. Hospitals, in particular, rely upon Baxter for dialysis and hydration solutions. As a result of the flooded plant, medical care centers are now having to make their current supplies last longer.
This means reducing the use of IV bags and temporarily halting non-essential surgeries. Adding to the chaos is uncertainty about when Baxter will be up and running again. So far, shortages are expected to persist through December. However, IV fluid deficits could potentially last even into 2025.
Assistance from other nations with combatting IV fluid deficits
Earlier this month, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) greenlit IV fluid imports from Canada, Britain, Ireland, and China. These arrivals will lessen the blow of flooding at Baxton; though the need for supplies continues to climb.
Even before Hurricanes Helene and Milton arrived, the US medical supply chain was dealing with shortages. Generic sterile injectable medicines, along with chemotherapy pharmaceuticals, have taken some of the hardest hits.
