MEDICAL SERVICES & DEVICES
“The FDA recognises that early awareness of supply chain disruptions is essential to mitigating the impacts of potential medical device shortages”
MICHELLE TARVER, DIRECTOR, FDA’ S CENTER FOR DEVICES AND RADIOLOGICAL HEALTH, US FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
Tariffs on goods from countries such as China and Mexico – key suppliers of medical devices and components – have previously led to price increases and occasional supply chain disruptions. For example, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists recorded the highest number of drug shortages in 2023 since it began tracking in 2001, with tariffs exacerbating the issue.
Stakeholders in the medical sector have long raised concerns about the effects of such trade policies on generic drugs and device components, which are critical to healthcare systems.
Arthur Wong, Healthcare Managing Director at S & P Global Ratings notes:“ Generics account for roughly 90 % of all US prescriptions and tariffs would potentially raise costs for a significant portion of the market.”
Meanwhile, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., US Secretary of Health and Human Services( HHS), has taken an aggressive stance on reforming the FDA.
RFK Jr.’ s criticisms of the agency include its regulatory authority
90 April 2025