The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) does not anticipate a significant impact on the availability of health care products from the port strike that began this week, with the current assessment predicting a “limited” impact.
Members of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) went on strike on Tuesday after negotiations with the United States Maritime Alliance failed to reach an agreement, with the issue of increased compensation being a particular sticking point.
The strike could severely disrupt the U.S. economy, potentially causing losses of up to $5 billion per day.
However, HHS said after meetings with “industry associations, distributors, manufacturers, and other stakeholders,” no major impact on the medical supply chain is expected.
“Current preliminary assessments indicate that the immediate impact of medicines, medical devices and infant formula on consumers, parents and carers should be limited. “We are monitoring and taking steps to address the potential impact on consumers of labor disputes in the United States,” HHS said in a statement.
“ASPR [Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response] and F.D.A. [Food and Drug Administration] “HHS to work with manufacturers and distributors to quickly identify potential shortages of life-saving products due to strikes, determine causes, and respond to local, regional, and national needs as they arise.” “We have worked closely with them and will continue to do so,” the statement continued. The administration supported both parties returning to the negotiating table “fairly and expeditiously.”
According to American Hospital Associationthe United States has become increasingly dependent on foreign countries, especially China, for medical supplies, equipment, and equipment. The United States imported approximately $15 billion in medical equipment this year.
