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.

FDA issues Class I safety alert on malfunctioning infusion pumps
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is calling this a recall, an updated set of use instructions of Smiths Medical, the manufacturer of the pumps, will allow for their safe, continued use.
Cigna, CVS sue to block Arkansas' PBM regulation
The newly signed law, known as Act 264, bans pharmacy benefit managers from owning pharmacies in the state. It's scheduled to go into effect beginning in 2026.
FDA issues Class I alert on emergency use esophagogastric tubes
A serious issue with esophagogastric balloon tamponade tubes manufactured by BD could cause the devices to break, potentially delaying care for bleeding patients. Clinicians are advised to review and follow updated use instructions.
Rite Aid sells over 1,000 pharmacies to competitors, including CVS and Walgreens
The deals account for most of Rite Aid’s remaining stores, as the bankrupt chain nears its final days.
Small pharmacies stockpile drugs as tariff fears grow
KFF Health News interviewed multiple independent pharmacies for a new report, detailing their basements full of generic and specialty drugs as a hedge against supply shocks.

FDA approval of several impactful drugs could be delayed if US defaults on debt

The FDA’s process of reviewing and approving drugs and devices could be put on hold, if lawmakers fail to reach a deal related to the debt ceiling.

FDA seeking upwards of $7B for 2024

The Food and Drug Administration has put in for a $7.2 billion chunk of the $6.9 trillion federal budget for fiscal year 2024 that President Joe Biden proposed March 9.

Manufacturers, health organizations unite to address medical supply chain

The newly formed group, the American Medical Manufacturers Association, includes Altor Safety, Aquaspersions USA, Blue Star NBR, Lutema, Ochsner Health, Premium-PPE, SafeSource Direct, United Safety Technology and Vizient as its initial members.

More evidence that 2022 has been a hard year for healthcare providers

Many hospitals are experiencing losses for 2022, a year that some are calling the most difficult operating environment they’ve ever experienced.

FDA confirms nationwide shortage of Adderall

Manufacturers, it seems, are unable to keep up with high demand.

CEO turnover appears to be stabilizing in healthcare

So far in 2022, 832 CEOs have left their roles––and healthcare CEOs have been among the most active role departures.

Clover Health expands MA plan footprint

Tennessee-based Clover Health, which first launched in 2014, currently offers MA plans in 209 counties, caring for 85,000 members.

CT contrast shortage seen as amplification, continuation of deep-set dynamics

The shortage of iodinated contrast media that has rattled U.S. radiology since early May didn’t come from nowhere.

Supply Chain

FDA issues Class I safety alert on malfunctioning infusion pumps

Cigna, CVS sue to block Arkansas' PBM regulation

FDA issues Class I alert on emergency use esophagogastric tubes

Rite Aid sells over 1,000 pharmacies to competitors, including CVS and Walgreens

Small pharmacies stockpile drugs as tariff fears grow