HIDA calls for further transportation action
By HME News Staff
Updated 3:45 PM CST, Wed November 10, 2021
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ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The Health Industry Distributors Association has called for further action to avoid delays in delivering medical supplies to health care providers.
In a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation, HIDA first thanked the administration for its recent work to expand the business hours of ports.
“Unprecedented transportation delays have hindered reliable and timely movement of medical products,” said Linda Rouse O’Neill, HIDA vice president of supply chain policy & executive branch relations. “This restricts the supply chain’s ability to support healthcare providers responding to COVID-19 and providing essential medical services.”
The next steps are to align all modes of transportation to 24/7 operations and prioritize critical cargo, such as personal protective equipment, through ports and onto rail and truck for expedited delivery to health care providers, says HIDA.
Specifically, HIDA recommends:
- Developing a “fast pass” system to expedite global transportation of essential medical products.
- Utilizing “fast pass” with railroads, trucks, and small parcel carriers.
- Aligning transportation operations to support health care during public health emergencies.
Listen to what Linda Rouse O’Neill had to say about supply chain issues on the HME News in 10 podcast.
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