While hospitals are being told to use the supply ‘judiciously’, IV fluid stock will now exceed demand over the next six months, says Mark Butler.
The federal government has secured an additional 22 million IV fluid bags to be distributed nationwide over the next six months, with supply now expected to outpace demand for the remainder of the year.
Federal health minister Mark Butler confirmed earlier today that the government had successfully negotiated with manufacturers and suppliers within Australia to acquire and supply the additional bags to affected hospitals and health services over the six-month period, with US manufacturer Baxter reporting production at its Sydney site was now at historic levels.
According to Mr Butler, procurement of the additional bags, sourced from both local manufacturers and overseas imports, was the result of “unprecedented collaboration” between state, territory and Commonwealth health authorities through the cross-jurisdictional response group, convened earlier this month to address critical supply issues.
Hospitals and health services nationwide are being advised to use IV fluid stock “judiciously” as global shortages continue, Mr Butler said, with state and territory health authorities ultimately responsible for decisions regarding the allocation of available IV fluid stock.
“Due to unexpected increases in demand and manufacturing capacity constraints, there has been global supply limitations for IV fluids,” the statement from Mr Butler read.
“The response group met yesterday and advice from states and territories as well as private hospital representatives indicates that the situation has stabilised in most jurisdictions.”
Last week, Opposition health spokesperson Senator Anne Ruston claimed the government became aware of the likelihood of IV fluid shortages more than a year ago, telling The Australian the situation was “beyond monitoring” and required “action and leadership” to overcome the shortages.
