U.S. Hospitals Face Critical IV Fluid Shortage After Hurricane Helene

The closure of a key Baxter manufacturing plant has led to nationwide rationing and postponed procedures.

Hurricane Helene caused severe flooding at Baxter's North Carolina facility, disrupting production of 60% of the nation's IV fluids.
Hospitals are implementing conservation strategies, including shifting patients to oral medications and postponing elective surgeries.
The FDA has approved temporary imports of IV fluids from Baxter's international facilities to mitigate the shortage.
The Biden administration has invoked the Defense Production Act to expedite the rebuilding of Baxter's plant.
Experts warn that the shortage highlights the fragility of the U.S. medical supply chain, exacerbated by limited manufacturing capacity and low investment returns.