IV fluid supply disruptions prompt Biden administration to invoke wartime powers to bolster recovery

Severe disruptions have hit the IV fluids and dialysis solutions supply chain following the impact of Hurricane Helene on a major production site in western North Carolina. Baxter International's North Cove facility experienced significant operational interruptions, affecting up to 60% of the nation’s supply of these medical solutions. Although operations have resumed, distribution remains limited.

Efforts are underway to address the supply shortfall. Domestic manufacturing has been boosted, and products are being imported from international facilities. To expedite recovery, the Defense Production Act has been invoked, granting priority access to critical materials needed for facility cleanup and production resumption.

Restoration is progressing, with certain products already fully allocated to hospitals, and plans are in place to phase back to full production capacity by year-end. The storm's impact highlights vulnerabilities in the medical supply chain, as the country faces a record high of drug shortages.