As hospitals and healthcare facilities work to recover after Hurricane Helene devastated Florida’s Big Bend and impacted multiple states, concerns are growing about the medical supply chain.
Baxter International, a major healthcare and medical technology company, announced the closure of its largest plant in North Carolina due to severe flooding and destruction from the hurricane. This plant, located in North Cove, is the primary U.S. manufacturer of IV fluids and peritoneal dialysis solutions. Baxter has begun remediation efforts to resume production, but the situation has disrupted supply chains across the healthcare industry.
Duke University Health System (DUHS) has already been informed that Baxter is halting distribution for 48 hours to assess its supply line, raising concerns about potential shortages if the closure lasts several weeks.
Healthcare facilities like DUHS are now implementing conservation measures to ensure patients receive care without exhausting critical supplies.
The hurricane’s widespread impact, along with ongoing labor strikes at East Coast docks, could further complicate the recovery efforts.
Experts emphasize that healthcare systems may need to adopt mutual aid strategies, though Helene’s extensive damage has left even neighboring facilities in need of assistance.
Peoplesmind
