Due to unexpected increases in demand and manufacturing capacity constraints, there has been global supply limitations for IV fluids.
That's why jurisdictions have brought unprecedented collaboration to the issue, with a cross-jurisdictional Response Group convened by all states and territories and the Commonwealth, which includes the views of the broader health system through representation from private hospitals and primary care.
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.
This Response Group is continuing to meet on a weekly basis, or more frequently if required, while supply remains constrained in Australia.
To ease demand, the Albanese Government has worked with local producers and suppliers to secure supply of over 22 million additional IV fluid bags for the affected product lines over the next 6 months, both locally produced and imported. This supply volume exceeds the forecast demand over this period.
Baxter has advised the Response Group it is manufacturing IV fluids at its Sydney manufacturing site at record levels. In coming weeks Baxter will expand its local manufacturing plant so that more IV fluid bags can be made locally.
The TGA is aware that jurisdictions are alerting staff of the situation and instructing all staff to use IV stock judiciously. Decisions on service prioritisation of available IV fluid stock are matters managed at the state and territory level.
