As the coronavirus pandemic caught the unprepared United States off guard, states rushed to secure masks and other protective equipment.
Wasted Defense: States Dump Masks and Pandemic Gear as Stockpiles Expire (Photo: South China Morning Post)
Navigating Stockpile Dilemmas: Varied State Approaches Reflect Supply Chain Challenges
Following the COVID-19 epidemic, several US states are struggling with an excess of protective equipment, which is causing a large-scale disposal of out-of-date supplies. Ohio, which had $29 million worth of equipment that was about to expire, threw out another 7.2 million items and auctioned off 393,000 dresses for a meager $2,451.
According to an Associated Press investigation, personal protection equipment (PPE) that had expired, was surplus or was not in high demand had been disposed of in large quantities in at least 15 states, including Vermont and Alaska. Among the things thrown away were 500,000 gloves, 22 million gowns, and more than 18 million masks. The deadline for federal COVID-19 funding allocation is drawing near, and states are facing the challenge of keeping warehouses and stockpiles operational. Millions of goods have already been thrown out, and states like Wisconsin and Minnesota are aggressively demobilizing warehouses and planning to distribute supplies.
To protect against demand spikes, the Health Industry Distributors Association recommends keeping a 60-to-90-day supply on hand. However, perspectives on the need for such substantial buffers along the supply chain are divided.
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Divergent Strategies: State Approaches to Stockpile Duration and Disposal Challenges
Because of affordability concerns, some states, like Pennsylvania, are aiming for a 15-day stockpile, while others, like Missouri, want to maintain a 90-day supply. Nevada, meantime, is having trouble getting rid of its outdated PPE, underscoring the difficulties governments have in controlling surplus inventory in the face of fluctuating demand.
The need for better supply chain management and readiness to prevent waste and guarantee efficient responses to future health emergencies is highlighted by the disposal of sizable amounts of personal protective equipment.
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