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.

Ecolab selling its surgical solutions business for $950M
Medline has entered into a “definitive agreement” to buy the surgical division, giving the company access to a variety of surgical supplies and equipment used by clinicians and patients.
FDA announces recall of SonarMed airway monitors after injury
Medtronic brand SonarMed airway monitors and acoustic sensors are being recalled due to a risk of breathing obstruction and lung tissue damage.
FDA announces recall of infusion pumps after thousands of complaints, 1 death
InfuTronix has received 3,698 complaints related to device failures of its Halo Ambulatory Infusion system and other Nimbus pumps.
FDA announces recall of more than 2 million catheter parts, citing serious health risks
Fresenius Medical Care is issuing a recall on 2,192,535 catheter extensions and adapters used in patients with acute and chronic kidney disease.
Joint replacements recalled after FDA safety warning
The FDA initially made the complaint in January. Exactech has agreed to recall products at risk of chemical oxidation as a result of faulty packaging.

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. 

November 19, 2015

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.  

April 14, 2015

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.

April 4, 2013

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

FDA warns against use of troubled heart devices, citing ‘continued concerns’ after multiple recalls

The agency is urging healthcare providers to transition away from these devices and seek out alternatives. It is even working with other manufacturers to try and get similar products on the market as quickly as possible.

Cardiovascular Business

The push for an independent cardiology board continues

Jeffrey Kuvin, MD, one of the leading voices behind efforts to create a new Board of Cardiovascular Medicine, spoke with Cardiovascular Business about where things stand today.

AI in Healthcare

Biden Administration itemizes AI accomplishments to date

Half a year after President Biden officially directed federal agencies in the executive branch’s bailiwick to “seize the promise and manage the risks” of AI, the White House has posted a status report.

Supply Chain

Ecolab selling its surgical solutions business for $950M

FDA announces recall of SonarMed airway monitors after injury

FDA announces recall of infusion pumps after thousands of complaints, 1 death

FDA announces recall of more than 2 million catheter parts, citing serious health risks

Joint replacements recalled after FDA safety warning

Around the web