Supply Chain

Managing supplies is a crucial part of moving medical products from the manufacturer to patient’s bedside. Efficient supply chains can reduce healthcare costs and make medical devices more affordable for patients and health systems. This news page includes content on supply shortages, inventory management, and procurement practices.

Baxter reopens second production line at North Carolina IV solutions site
The plant is now operating at 50% of its pre-Hurricane Helene levels, as Baxter aims to reach full capacity by the end of the year.
Medtronic sued by doctor for alleged patent infringement
Shirin Towfigh, MD, and her consultancy firm, Hexagon Health, claim Medtronic is selling patented surgical mesh with a novel fin-shaped design.
FDA set to ban certain over-the-counter cold medications
Oral decongestants containing phenylephrine were found not to be effective. However, nasal sprays of the same drug are not subject to the FDA’s proposed order.
Looming fear of more IV shortages as Hurricane Rafael gains strength
The IV solution supply chain is still recovering after Hurricane Helene damaged a manufacturing site in North Carolina.
Walgreens settles class-action fraud lawsuit for $100M
The pharmacy chain is accused of charging insurance more for generic drugs than uninsured customers of its Prescription Saving Club.

Data, analytics top priorities for supply chain leaders in 2018

In a survey conducted by Global Healthcare Exchange, some of the top providers for supply chain performance said making better use of data would be their No. 1 priority this year, either through expanded analytics or standardizing their data process across the organization.

March 26, 2018

Data can make the difference in cutting waste from the supply chain

When Indiana’s Goshen Health decided to de-affiliate from Indiana University Health in 2016, it knew its supply costs were going to increase for its 122-bed hospital, cancer center and 27 physician practice locations, according to chief financial officer Amy Floria. That meant waste in the supply chain had to be cut out—like the 80 percent of hospital supplies which had sat untouched on a shelf for two years.

March 16, 2018

Supply Chain

Baxter reopens second production line at North Carolina IV solutions site

Medtronic sued by doctor for alleged patent infringement

FDA set to ban certain over-the-counter cold medications

Looming fear of more IV shortages as Hurricane Rafael gains strength

Walgreens settles class-action fraud lawsuit for $100M