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 Nonpartisan Government Responsibility Office in its most recent report on the CARES Act. The report also discusses disorders related to vaccine distribution and administration.
Between a third and half of states said they had experienced a shortage of reagents, tools or immediate emails in the last 30 days.
“Most states reported any shortages of swabs or means of shipment, however, a third of the 47 states reported shortages in the other 3 types of verification supplies: reagents (21 states), verification tools (16 states), and immediate consultation point. -service controls (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 60 days after 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 shortages of reagents,” 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 councils for congressional review and executive action.
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 these states also reported difficulties in maintaining the source of needles for the flu vaccine, according to the report.
This is consistent with reports that at least a dozen states are likely to want more investment or wait for more investments, while other states have warned that they should make a decision about whether they 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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