What if nine months into the Coronavirus Pandemic – getting PPE hasn’t become easier?
Medical masks, gloves, and gowns — a few of the essentials at any time in the health care space — but even more important during a pandemic.
There are supply chain gaps, according to new reporting by Gannett. Moreover, doctors are starting to worry about a repeat of the spring — when cases surged, and PPE was in high-demand.
The Medical Society of The State of New York conducted a survey finding that approximately 40% of doctors say wait times to get PPE span at least four weeks, and 20% said it takes around six weeks to receive an order. Around two-thirds of doctors said it’s sometimes difficult to obtain needed PPE at all.
Even worse, the price of PPE has gone up. Approximately 50% of doctors say the price has gone up by at least 25% since the start of the pandemic.
“We need to make sure our physicians’ offices stay open, so we don’t have a twin pandemic where patients can’t get in to see their physicians and their other health conditions unrelated to COVID worsen,” Dr. Bonnie Litvack told Gannett. She’s the president of the Medical Society of the State of New York.
MORE: As COVID-19 surges, NY health care leaders concerned about repeat of PPE shortages
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