How Australia survived a sudden shortage of IV fluids

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Source: BMJ

Original: http://www.bmj.com/content/392/bmj.s368.short?rss=1...

Published: 2026-03-17T03:35:52-07:00

From the beginning of 2023, healthcare providers in Australia were experiencing a shortage of intravenous (IV) fluids. One major tertiary hospital had less than 24 hours' supply and was close to suspending its emergency organ donation service. States such as New South Wales and Queensland have reported disruptions to patient care and long-term shortages of these essential fluids. This led to unpredictable supply allocation. The experience resulted in a comprehensive set of interventions published in 2024 to address the problem. Experts say these interventions could be a lesson for shortages in any country. However, according to them, the changes do not go far enough.