Fast and reactive, medical devices used to treat COVID-19 tests are rare as the US is in the process of being able to do so. But it’s not the first time It sinks further in the winter months, according to a survey of 47 states and territories through the Office of Nonpartisan Government Responsibility in its most recent report on the CARES Act. The report also discusses disorders related to vaccine distribution and administration.
Between one-third and half of states reported having experienced a shortage of reagents, tools, or immediate emails in the past 30 days.
<< Most states reported no shortage of swabs or shipping media, however, between one-third and a portion of the 47 states reported shortages in the other 3 types of verification supplies: reagents (21 states), verification tools (16 states), and immediate point. (24 states) ", according to the report.
Half of the states and territories that responded said they expected additional shortages of immediate testing over the next two months and almost part said they expected a shortage of reagents over the same period. The october survey.
<< When asked about the availability of verification materials at verification sites and laboratories within 60 days of the survey, part of the states (22) predicted that there would be a shortage of immediate verification at the point of service, and 20 states expected reactive shortages. according to the GAO report.
The survey also found that more than part of the states said they expected shortages of swabs or shipping media, two other key parts for testing.
However, the GAO report is titled with a call to action – “COVID-19: Urgent Action Is Needed to Better Ensure an Effective Federal Response” – and makes 11 recommendations, such as congressional care tips. executive actions.
The report also considers vaccine preparation across the country, noting that dozens of states do not feel able to distribute large quantities in cycles.
In the October survey, a third of states said they were “very or absolutely concerned” about having enough materials to administer the vaccines and the third said they were “moderately concerned. “
In open responses, senior officials from six states expressed their fear of needles and mentioned reports of scarcity.
Three of those states also reported difficulties maintaining the source of flu vaccine needles, according to the report.
This is consistent with reports that at least a dozen states are likely to want more investment or expect more investment, while other states have warned that they still want more investment.
In reaction to these findings, the GAO stated that the Department of Health and Human Services reiterated its war of words with the most recent report, stating that it had made efforts to satisfy the wishes of states and that there were not many shortages, even though in the investigation. .
“Our report recognizes these efforts, but we continue to say that our recommendations are justified,” the GAO said.
HHS also requested the names of the states that are scarce, but the GAO argued that the report’s goal is not yet to follow up to “contribute to informing the ministry’s long-term procurement efforts by providing a review of state wishes and concerns. “
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