Staff Reports
In a twist of irony befitting the current administration’s penchant for crisis management, President Biden’s health secretary, Xavier Becerra, found himself in the unenviable position of addressing a severe shortage of intravenous (IV) fluids following a hurricane-induced shutdown of a crucial factory in North Carolina. With about 60% of the country’s supply coming from the Baxter International plant in Marion, one might say that the Biden administration has kicked off a real-life game of “Operation” — the stakes, however, are significantly higher than just pulling out a funny bone without making the buzzer sound.
The factory’s closure due to Hurricane Helene has compounded pre-existing shortages of saline and other vital medical fluids. Becerra informed health care leaders that supply constraints are imminent. While the health secretary attempted to convey a sense of calm with reassurances about resumed shipments and future collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), one has to wonder if he’s truly grasping the depth of the chaos his administration has contributed to.
In a letter to health care leaders, Becerra emphasized the need for hospitals and providers to conserve their dwindling supplies. It almost sounds like a sad reprise of “Make Do and Mend,” that vintage World War II motto. If the situation weren’t so grave, it would almost be comical that Becerra sees fit to encourage resourcefulness when it seems the administration’s policies have led to the exact difficulties they now implore others to navigate.
Mr. Becerra said supply will be constrained in the coming weeks but there is a glimmer of hope, as the Baxter facility resumes some shipments to hospitals and dialysis centers. https://t.co/AOzQewki7q
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) October 9, 2024
Meanwhile, as the citizens of Florida brace for another storm, aptly named Hurricane Milton, one can only speculate whether Becerra will pen another letter urging hospitals to ration IV fluids like they’re moonlight envy at a cross-country driving contest. One can only hope hospitals are equipped with more than just optimistic letters and vague promises of expedited manufacturing at alternate facilities, particularly given the alarming response from the American Hospital Association (AHA). The AHA has been sounding the alarm bells about significant shortages and suggesting regulation relief, while simultaneously calling for the utilization of the Defense Production Act. You know things are serious when they start tossing around legislative sledgehammers.
What remains clear is that between the devastating impacts of Helene and the looming storm season, Americans are confronted with a government that seems to have more red tape than solutions. As health systems scramble to manage what could be a disastrous supply chain debacle, one has to ask: is this the leadership that will ensure Americans are safe and cared for in critical medical situations? Or are they just hoping the storms will pass without further complicating an already troubling scenario? With every storm after another government misstep, the answer becomes even murkier.
