Australia is facing a shortage of ‘crucial’ IV fluids. What does it mean and who will be affected?

Intravenous fluids have a ‘myriad of uses’ in the health system, but supply is expected to be constrained throughout 2024

The peak doctors’ body is warning the health system could come to a
grinding halt next week if an unprecedented shortage of intravenous (IV) fluid isn’t resolved.

The medicines regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), issued a shortage alert on Friday for intravenous (IV) fluid products expected to be constrained throughout 2024, due to global manufacturing issues and an unexpected increase in demand.