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.

Error with Tandem insulin pumps causes 700 adverse events, 59 injuries
A malfunctioning speaker is being blamed for the error code, which effectively pauses infusions on t:slim X2 insulin pumps. Tandem Diabetes Care has promised to release a software patch to improve the safety of the devices.
FDA issues early alert on Baxter infusion pumps after 3 serious injuries
Some Baxter Novum IQ pumps have a software issue that can cause the “run” screen to go blank or trigger another system error, potentially resulting in inadequate infusion. The company has issued updated use instructions to ensure safe operation.
FDA recalls breathing system filters after multiple injuries
Multiple lots of Draeger SafeStar and TwinStar filters—which are typically used during mechanical ventilation—are being removed from where they’re used and sold due to erroneous carbon dioxide readings.
FDA confirms end to IV saline shortage caused by Hurricane Helene
Nearly 11 months after the hurricane flooded a Baxter manufacturing facility near Asheville, North Carolina, the resulting nationwide shortage of saline solution bags is officially over.
Assembly issue spurs FDA recall on manual resuscitators
A problem with the B/V filters on SunMed adult resuscitators can cause the devices to malfunction. Due to the high safety risk this poses to patients, the FDA has assigned this recall its most serious designation.

University's research reactor increases medical isotope production in wake of supply disruption

“Our dedicated staff are committed to getting lifesaving treatments delivered to the patients who need them,” MURR's executive director said in a statement on Feb. 9.

Philips sees sales fall $400M below expectations amid global supply chain pressures

However, Q4 bright spots included “robust” order intake with 4% growth, driven by gains in its Diagnosis & Treatment business, leaders said Wednesday.

Healthcare margins at risk from labor and supply chain challenges

Margin pressures among U.S. healthcare and pharmaceutical companies are at risk with renewed labor challenges and supply chain issues.

The best 50 healthcare providers based on supply chain excellence

GHX has awarded the best 50 healthcare organizations based on supply chain excellence.

macro-eyes receives $2.2M to expand supply chain AI for vaccines

macro-eyes, a Seattle-based healthcare company, has received $2.2 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to improve healthcare access in Tanzania and Mozambique with its Connected Health AI Network (CHAIN) technology.

Unnecessary hospital supply chain spending tops $25B

Hospitals are leaving billions on the table when it comes to the U.S. supply chain, according to a new study from Navigant that found unnecessary supply chain spending reached $25.7 billion a year.

What AI could mean to healthcare’s supply chain

While the loudest buzz around AI in healthcare continues to emanate from clinical and research quarters, an easily overlooked subpopulation is watching with keen interest: hospital supply-chain executives and the vendor reps who call on them.

AI-powered pharma supply chain solution launches

Healthcare improvement company Premier has teamed up with a cognitive supply chain company, Pensiamo, to tackle drug supply chain with a new AI-powered solution.

Supply Chain

Error with Tandem insulin pumps causes 700 adverse events, 59 injuries

FDA issues early alert on Baxter infusion pumps after 3 serious injuries

FDA recalls breathing system filters after multiple injuries

FDA confirms end to IV saline shortage caused by Hurricane Helene

Assembly issue spurs FDA recall on manual resuscitators