The Biden administration has invoked the Defense Production Act to expedite the rebuilding of a critical intravenous (IV) fluid manufacturing plant in North Carolina that was severely damaged by Hurricane Helene, CBS News reports.
The factory, operated by medical supplier Baxter, had been responsible for producing about 60% of the nation’s IV fluid supply. Its closure has exacerbated an ongoing nationwide shortage, leading some hospitals to postpone surgeries and other medical procedures.
The Defense Production Act, a wartime law, is being used to fast-track contractors and prioritize resources for Baxter’s plant recovery. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the administration is closely collaborating with Baxter to ensure the factory resumes production as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the importation of IV fluids from Baxter’s global facilities to mitigate the shortfall, with additional plans to airlift supplies into the US.
The FDA recently declared a shortage of three more types of IV fluids, further compounding existing shortages worsened by the hurricane-damaged plant. FDA Commissioner Robert Califf has warned that such supply chain disruptions could become more frequent due to climate change and international instability.
Despite some hospitals still facing critical shortages, Baxter reports progress in increasing its IV fluid allocations. However, facilities like Pennsylvania’s Main Line Health and Massachusetts’ Mass General Brigham are rationing supplies and delaying elective procedures. Baxter aims to fully restore production of high-demand products by the end of the year.
