Supply Chain

Managing supplies is a crucial part of moving medical products from the manufacturer to patient’s bedside. Efficient supply chains can reduce healthcare costs and make medical devices more affordable for patients and health systems. This news page includes content on supply shortages, inventory management, and procurement practices.

FDA issues two serious patient safety alerts
The notices are unrelated, but both require that clinicians adhere to a set of updated use instructions. One patient died as a result of injury.
FDA announces Class I recall on defective ports used for vein access
There have been two reported injuries linked to the Smiths Medical ProPort Plastic Implantable Ports, many of which are subject to an immediate recall.
FDA issues Class I recall on newborn resuscitation devices
The recall impacts products from ROi, supplied by Mercury Medical. A defective spring can cause a controller to malfunction, resulting in poor ventilation.
FDA announces recall of endoscope sheaths after 26 injuries
While there have been no reported deaths, certain lots of Olympus single-use guide sheath kits are to be quarantined immediately.
FDA approves first therapy for very rare lipid storage disorder
Ctexli (chenodiol) can now be prescribed to patients with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis, a condition caused by a genetic mutation that leads to cholesterol buildup around vital organs.

HIV/AIDS infection rates won't budge

All over the world, the rate of new HIV/AIDS infections has stayed mostly the same in the last 10 years, Nature reports. The info comes from a new analysis in the journal The Lancet, which looked at infection trends from about 1980 to 2015. 

McKesson to Acquire Rexall Health From Katz Group, Strengthening Its Position in Canada’s Pharmaceutical Supply Chain

SAN FRANCISCO & TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--McKesson Corporation (NYSE: MCK), a leading international healthcare services and information technology company, and Katz Group, one of Canada’s largest privately-owned enterprises, today announced a definitive agreement to acquire Rexall Health from Katz Group for $3 billion CAD ($2.2 billion USD*, or approximately $1.9 billion USD* net of the present value of incremental cash tax benefits). 

UPS announces results of annual supply chain survey

UPS has released the results of its eighth annual Pain in the Chain survey, which asks healthcare and life sciences logistics executives questions about various supply chain issues. 

Philips introduces mobile application to keep nurses connected with on-the-go monitoring

Andover, MA – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) today announced the latest addition to its portfolio of advanced patient monitoring solutions. The Philips CareEvent mobile application turns a smartphone into a valuable clinical tool to meet the workflow demands for nurses and caregivers who are constantly on the go within the hospital.  

UHC Member Hospitals Achieve Record Supply Chain Savings of $400 Million in 2012

CHICAGO, April 4, 2013 -- UHC announced today that its member academic medical centers achieved record supply chain savings and value of $400 million in 2012. The savings amount represents 5% of UHC members' record aggregated spend of $8.1 billion and includes cash returns as well as operational savings.

Supply chain investment by CMS enables widespread EHR adoption

By sharing in the costs, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CHS) has created an environment where widespread adoption can occur, according to Micky Tripathi, president and CEO of the Massachusetts eHealth Collaborative.

AHRMM: Communication, collaboration key to supply chain success

BOSTONTo hear Michael Bohon tell it, more than a few C-level hospital leaders think they have a problem with their supply chainand theyre wrong.

AHRMM: C-suite execs confirm supply chain impacts hospital performance

BOSTONHospital leaders agree that supply chain management impacts operational performance and clinical performance, according to survey results presented Aug. 8 at the 2011 Association for Healthcare Resource & Materials Management (AHRMM) annual conference, and now is the time for supply chain leaders to act, noted presenter Jamie C. Kowalski, CEO of the Jamie C. Kowalski consulting firm.

Around the web

Radiology Business

FDA announces recall of Medtronic interventional radiology devices after 17 injuries, 4 deaths

One product is being pulled from the market, and the other is receiving updated instructions for use.

AI in Healthcare

What federal regulators can learn from the states about AI oversight

If the Trump administration continues taking a laissez-faire stance toward AI—including AI used in healthcare—why not let the states go it alone on regulating the technology?

Cardiovascular Business

Boston Scientific enters renal denervation market with acquisition worth up to $540M

Boston Scientific has announced another significant M&A deal, scooping up an Israeli medtech company focused on RDN technology.

Supply Chain

FDA issues two serious patient safety alerts

FDA announces Class I recall on defective ports used for vein access

FDA issues Class I recall on newborn resuscitation devices

FDA announces recall of endoscope sheaths after 26 injuries

FDA approves first therapy for very rare lipid storage disorder

Around the web