The world was shocked by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have all been affected in one way or another by the virus. The global economy has been shook to it's core with increased travel restrictions, strict lock down measures, falling oil prices, and much more. Within the United States, the pandemic has also exposed some underlying issues with our healthcare supply chain. Specifically, the healthcare system’s dependence on China and other foreign countries for the supply of essential equipment.
The media has extensively covered the shortage of PPE in the United States, but this was only the tip of the iceberg. America has experienced shortages of many medical devices and equipment due to decreased imports and increased demand for these essential products. Supply was not able to keep up with the increased demand, largely in part, due to the amount of medical supplies manufactured in China. China was the first region struck with the pandemic and the country’s own need for these products also skyrocketed. Suddenly, the US’s primary source of essential medical equipment was reducing supply in the moments where we needed it most. It quickly became clear that our nation was not fully prepared for such an event. Domestic manufacturers scrambled to pitch in and adapt to support the demands of hospitals. Certainly COVID-19 has highlighted the shortcomings of the current healthcare supply chain in the United States.
There is no easy solution for the US’ dependence on foreign countries for medical devices, but from this adversity a movement to source domestically is growing. Manufacturers across the nation are pushing for increased domestic sourcing in hopes of preventing future shortages of healthcare equipment in the event of a another global shock. An increase in domestic manufacturing of these essential products would significantly decrease our nation's vulnerability. Just as our manufacturers are learning from COVID-19, our government has also taken note and introduced a bipartisan bill that would analyze the dependence of the US on critical drugs and medical devices manufactured outside of the country.
A specific example of a vital medical equipment in low supply due to the pandemic includes IV poles and IV stands. These small, yet critical devices are used to administer medicines and treatments to patients via intravenous therapy. Countless hospitals rely on IV poles to care for patients and shortages result in stress on both healthcare facilities and patients in need of care. In response to the shortage of IV poles in the US, Lakeside Manufacturing ramped up production of the essential product in order to help meet the increased demand. Lakeside, like many other manufacturers, make all products in the US. Domestic sourcing and manufacturing has countless advantages even when we’re not in the midst of a global health crisis.
Many large American companies move their manufacturing plants overseas in order to cut costs and produce things in places where they do not have the same standards and practices. By buying American made products, you are helping to boost the US economy now, and for future generations to come.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we have seen how dependent the country is on internationally manufactured products that are essential for our health and safety. By investing in products that are made in the USA, you are helping to reduce the dependence on foreign countries for essential products and goods, specifically in the healthcare industry.
Although some companies can save money by moving their production facilities overseas, this can cause shipping costs to skyrocket, which can fall on the customer at times. Additionally, domestic goods can be delivered much quicker, and are not subject to as many potential disruptions on the way to their destination. As we’ve seen with the pandemic, a global crisis can cause these lead times to increase even more, and potentially cause some of the products to not make it to your facility at all.
Buying domestically manufactured equipment is much better for the environment as global shipping by way of ocean or air is one of the largest contributing factors to greenhouse gas emissions. By purchasing goods that are made in the USA, you are supporting a safer and sustainable future for the environment.
American manufacturers are held to a much higher standard when it comes to workers’ safety than many of our foreign counterparts. Additionally, companies are able to manage their quality control much easier when it is produced domestically, meaning that when you purchase a product that’s made in the USA, you can be sure that it was manufactured in a safe environment and that it’s good quality.
Our History of Quality
Lakeside Manufacturing has over 70 years of experience engineering innovative and quality products that meet all of your requirements. All of our products are manufactured here in the USA, at our state-of-the-art facility where utilize safe processes to ensure the safety of our workers and the top of the line quality of our products. Learn more about our company values, and together we can help solidify the future of our healthcare system.