Shortages of Medicines & Devices – including IV fluids – An Unabating Issue Facing Women’s Health
miniý
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
The Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (miniý; the College) reiterates its concern that supplies of crucial medicines and devices are in critical short supply both locally and globally. Particularly, the ongoing shortages of intravenous (IV) fluid has drawn significant attention in recent weeks due to its widespread impact on various areas of medical practice.
In obstetrics, IV fluid bags are vital for procedures such as induction of labour, and the treatment of conditions including hyperemesis gravidarum. While gynaecology and other surgical medical specialties reliant on IV fluids may face the postponement of planned elective surgeries and procedures, miniý is not aware of any cancellations of induction of labour or treatment of obstetric conditions to date.
The College will continue to closely monitor the situation and is committed to working vigilantly with members, the government, and other stakeholders to minimise the impact of shortages on the provision of O&G services.
“While the constraints on IV fluid supplies reflect the broader problem of shortages affecting healthcare in Australia, pregnant women and their families need not be alarmed. miniý remains actively engaged in addressing these shortages to ensure that care is not compromised,” said miniý Vice President, Dr Nisha Khot.
Shortages of medicines and devices used commonly used within pregnancy and women’s health have been an unrelenting issue for several years. Medicines and devices are either unavailable in the local market or are in critical short supply posing risks for the day-to-day care of patients.
Earlier this year, miniý convened a roundtable with key stakeholders to explore solutions for improving access to these essential supplies in Australia. However, significant work remains to be done to drive meaningful progress in this area.
Dr Anna Clare, Deputy Chair of the miniý Women’s Health Committee said, “There is a much larger issue at play which cannot continue to be ignored. We’ve been very clear in communicating our concerns with the Department of Health and the TGA. Shortages of critical medicines and devices are hindering practitioners’ ability to offer women the choices, treatments, and outcomes they deserve. We must make women’s health a priority, today.”
miniý urges the federal government to take action to find solutions and ensure a reliable supply of critical medicines and devices used for women’s health care and within medicine more broadly. Proactive steps must be taken now to mitigate the impacts of shortages and safeguard the health and wellbeing of all Australians.
For media enquiries
Bec McPhee
Head of Advocacy & Communications
bmcphee@ranzcog.edu.au
+61 413 258 166