Millions of Expired Masks and Gowns Discarded
As the grip of the coronavirus pandemic loosens, many states in the U.S. are now facing a new challenge – dealing with an excess of personal protective equipment (PPE). With expiration dates passing and few requests to tap into stockpiles, states are ditching their supplies in droves. An Associated Press investigation found that at least 15 states have tossed millions of masks, gowns, gloves, and other materials due to expiration, surpluses, and a lack of willing takers.
A Costly Waste and a Lesson Learned
The disposal of unused PPE is raising concerns about wasted resources and the need for better management of stockpiles. Ohio, for example, auctioned off 393,000 gowns for a mere $2,451 and ended up throwing away another 7.2 million supplies, costing approximately $29 million in federal funds. Similar scenarios are playing out across the country, with states now facing the dilemma of how much to invest in maintaining warehouses and supply stockpiles as they approach the deadline to allocate federal COVID-19 cash next year.
Difficulty in Forecasting Demand
When the pandemic struck, the demand for N95 masks, gloves, and gowns skyrocketed, catching the U.S. government’s Strategic National Stockpile unprepared. States found themselves in bidding wars, spending over $7 billion on PPE and other medical devices. The unpredictability of the situation led to panicked over-purchasing and stockpiling. Now, with the crisis easing, states are left with surplus supplies that are difficult to sell or donate due to expiration dates.
The Challenge of Preparedness
Striking a balance between preparedness and avoiding wasteful surpluses presents a major dilemma for state governments. Some states, like Missouri, have chosen to maintain a 90-day supply, even keeping expired materials in the hope that they can be used in future emergencies. Others, such as Pennsylvania, are aiming for a more conservative 15-day stockpile to ensure they can afford to replace expired items. The Health Industry Distributors Association recommends distributors maintain a 60-to-90-day supply, but acknowledges that not everyone in the system needs such a large cushion.
A Lesson for the Future
The disposal of excess PPE serves as a reminder of the need for better planning and management of stockpiles. It highlights the risks of panicked over-purchasing during emergencies and the importance of forecasting demand accurately. As states grapple with the aftermath of the pandemic, they must find a way to strike a balance between preparedness and avoiding wasteful expenditures.
Hope for a Post-Pandemic Future
As states dispose of their excess PPE, there is a collective hope that such a crisis will not be seen again in our lifetime. The lessons learned during the pandemic will hopefully lead to improved preparedness and a more efficient management of resources in the face of future emergencies.