US Government Invests in Medical Gown Stockpile
Following the shortage of medical gowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, the US government is taking steps to ensure a sufficient stockpile. Six US companies will spend at least $350 million to manufacture medical gowns for the Strategic National Stockpile.
The purchase is part of the efforts to restock the personal protective equipment (PPE) in the stockpile, which was depleted in the early weeks of the pandemic. According to Assistant Secretary Dawn O'Connell, the new gowns are among several purchases made by the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response to replenish the emergency stockpile.
The equipment had not been regularly restocked in the years before the crisis began.
This investment aims to prevent similar shortages in the future and ensure that healthcare workers have access to the necessary equipment.
Author's summary: US invests $350 million in medical gown stockpile.