The American Hospital Association (AHA) has urged the Senate Special Committee on Aging to enhance the supply chain for pharmaceuticals and medical devices. In a statement submitted for an October 8 hearing, the AHA emphasized that many pharmaceutical products are imported, while numerous medical devices are produced overseas. The organization noted that "the low-margin nature of these products makes them difficult to produce within the U.S." They warned that disruptions in device availability could impede hospitals' ability to conduct life-saving surgeries and maintain patient safety.
The AHA called on the committee to pass legislation aimed at bolstering medical supply chains. Earlier this year, the AHA backed the reintroduction of the Mapping America’s Pharmaceutical Supply Act (S. 1784). This bill proposes a plan for the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Defense to map out the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain. Additionally, another supported bill, the Rolling Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient and Drug Reserve Act (S. 2062), seeks to ensure a six-month reserve of essential generic drugs by awarding contracts to eligible manufacturers.
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