Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has joined a letter addressed to President Joe Biden, calling for immediate action to address a shortage of intravenous (IV) and peritoneal dialysis solutions.
The shortage was caused by the recent destruction from Hurricane Helene, namely, the country’s biggest supplier of intravenous and peritoneal dialysis solutions — Baxter International — shut down their manufacturing plant in North Cove, NC, due to flooding and damage.
That site produces 60% of the nation’s supply of IV solutions, according to the American Hospital Association, producing 1.5 million bags per day.
Earlier this month, KLIN News spoke with representatives at Bryan Health who said Lincoln hospitals are implementing “mitigation strategies” to limit the impact of the shortage in the state.
The letter recommends working with the FDA to find appropriate and trusted international manufacturers, removing barriers for importation, and taking necessary steps to prevent price gouging.
“The moves are designed to address a crisis that will certainly contribute to harm and potential deaths of Americans,” said the letter.
The letter also criticizes the Biden Administration for “failing to heed repeated warnings about reliance on foreign suppliers like China and India for pharmaceutical supplies and taking steps to address that situation,” prior to the current shortage.
Baxter International is working to get IV products from other facilities, but in the meantime, the shortage has forced hospitals to postpone surgeries.
Pillen was joined by South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, and Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon.
A copy of the letter can be viewed below.