(CNN) – The Biden administration has invoked the wartime powers of the Defense Production Act to help with the nation’s shortage of critical intravenous fluids.
Baxter International’s North Cove production site in Marion, North Carolina, is the largest manufacturer of IV fluids in the United States. Operations at the site were severely affected when Hurricane Helene swept through the area last month.
While distribution of supplies has resumed, there are still significant restrictions on the amount that can be ordered. That includes dialysis solutions for patients with kidney failure.
The shortage has left some hospitals across the country to ration their supplies and even postpone some surgeries. The Food and Drug Administration recently issued guidelines for compounding three drugs at pharmacies “to help fill the gaps.”
The invoking of the Defense Production Act will now give Baxter priority access to material it needs to clean, rebuild and prepare for the restart of production.
The company hopes to have a phased restart by the end of the year. However, it doesn’t know when production levels will be fully restored.
In addition, Florida is dealing with a fuel shortage stemming from Hurricane Milton. Officials say they are working with ports to restore the fuel supply.
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