Hurricane Milton’s approach to Florida is exacerbating supply chain issues caused by Hurricane Helene, with impacts reaching as far as Wichita, Kansas. Local business ICT IV, which provides mobile intravenous therapy services, is grappling with a shortage of IV bags, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of these natural disasters.
Jasmine Douangpraseuth, the owner of ICT IV, expressed concern about the situation, noting that small health-related businesses like hers are facing significant challenges. “At present, there are no suppliers distributing IV bags to small enterprises, which is understandable given the circumstances,” Douangpraseuth explained.
The shortage stems from Baxter International, a major supplier of saline and IV bags, halting production due to hurricane-related disruptions. This has created a ripple effect throughout the medical supply chain, with hospitals and urgent care facilities taking priority in resource allocation.
Douangpraseuth acknowledges the importance of this prioritization, stating, “It’s crucial that hospitals and urgent care centers receive the necessary supplies first. Once their needs are met, businesses like ours can resume normal operations.”
The situation underscores the delicate balance of medical supply chains and the potential for widespread impact from localized events. While ICT IV primarily offers elective IV therapy services,
Douangpraseuth recognizes that the shortage could have more severe implications for those with urgent medical needs.
“When it comes to direct requirements for IV fluids, such as cases of dehydration or illnesses necessitating fluid replacement, the current situation could pose challenges for everyone involved,” she noted.
Baxter International has responded to the crisis by committing over $1 million to disaster relief efforts. The company stated, “We are already undertaking remediation efforts and will spare no expense, whether in terms of human resources or financial investment, to restart production and ensure that patients and healthcare providers have access to the products they require.”
While smaller businesses like ICT IV face uncertainty, larger healthcare providers in Wichita appear to be managing the situation for now. Ascension Via Christi, a major healthcare system in the area, reported that they have not yet experienced any supply shortages related to the hurricanes.
The ongoing situation highlights the interconnectedness of the U.S. healthcare system and the vulnerability of supply chains to natural disasters. As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, there are concerns that the existing supply issues could be further compounded.
For businesses like ICT IV, the immediate future remains uncertain. Douangpraseuth and other small business owners in the healthcare sector are closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a swift resolution to the supply chain disruptions.
The impact of these hurricanes on medical supplies serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for robust, resilient supply chains in critical sectors like healthcare. As communities in Florida brace for Hurricane Milton’s impact, the effects are already being felt hundreds of miles away in places like Wichita.
As the situation continues to evolve, healthcare providers,
businesses, and patients alike are adapting to the challenges posed by these supply disruptions. The resilience of the healthcare system is being tested, with the hope that normal operations can resume once the immediate crisis has passed.
For now, businesses like ICT IV are focusing on managing their resources effectively and preparing for potential longer-term impacts. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of natural disasters and the importance of coordinated efforts in mitigating their effects on essential services and supplies.