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Baxter imports IV fluids as Cyclone Helene activates U.S. shortage

Baxter International began shipments of intravenous products to the United States from two global facilities last week, it stated on Monday, as it works to bring a. hurricane-hit plant in North Carolina back online amid a scarcity of the vital medical. product.

The medical gadget maker also received the U.S. Fda's clearance. on Oct. 9 to temporarily import items from 5 centers in Canada, China, Ireland, and the. UK, and was working to secure permission for more sites amidst a nationwide shortage following. flooding of the plant by Hurricane Helene late last month.

On Monday, Baxter stated its present top priority is deep cleaning up the facility and assessing. the status of all devices and assembly line.

The Marion, North Carolina website makes 60% of the country's supply of IV fluids and. peritoneal dialysis services, totaling up to 1.5 million bags daily, according to the American. Health center Association.

A shortage of IV fluids, which provide nutrients to the body or renew fluids lost. due to injury or disease, has actually forced healthcare facilities to reduce elective procedures.

While the flooding has interfered with the production of peritoneal dialysis solutions, the. business stated it is actively delivering products to clients.

We do not yet have a timeline for when we anticipate production to be fully brought back to. pre-hurricane levels, the company stated, while urging conservation of both IV and peritoneal. dialysis services.

The business

recently said

it prepares to restart its plant in phases, and intends to satisfy 90% to 100% of consumer requirements by. completion of the year.

Baxter is among the four leading U.S. suppliers of IV fluids. Germany's Fresenius and. medtech company B. Braun Medical recently said they were increase production of IV fluids and. reduce the lack.

Fresenius and B. Braun did not immediately react to Reuters' ask for an update on. their supply.

(source: Reuters)