IV Solution Shortages After Hurricane

Nearly two months after Hurricane Maria slammed into Puerto Rico, the island is struggling to recover, and more drug shortages could be on the horizon if its power grid is not restored quickly, experts warn.

FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb has warned Congress that if Puerto Rico’s electrical grid is not repaired by 2018, more drug shortages are on the horizon. Gottlieb also has said that FDA will be expediting review of drug applications that could help relieve shortages. Multiple manufactures are operating at significantly below full capacity, and are still relying on generator power.

AHA argued that a lack of transparency by pharmaceutical companies in disclosing what drugs are manufactured at plants, and geographic data on where the plants are located, contributes to the healthcare system being unprepared to proactively handle drug shortages.

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, pharmaceuticals manufactured in Puerto Rico constitute almost 10% of all drugs consumed by Americans. At least 33% of Puerto Rico's gross domestic product is from its pharmaceutical sector, according to Gottlieb.

Read the entire article on HealthcareDIVE here: https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/hospitals-facing-iv-solution-shortages-after-hurricane-maria/511048/