Luke 21:7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to take place?” Luke 21:11 "There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and epidemics in many lands, and there will be terrifying things (that which strikes terror), and great miraculous signs in the heavens."
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a statement on Tuesday saying they are working with three companies that produce intravenous saline to combat a shortage at American hospitals.
Valerie Jensen, FDA’s Associate Director for Drug Shortages, says that the product manufacturers, Baxter International, Hospira and B. Braun Medical, have committed to stepping up production.
“We have not heard of anyone running out of the IV solutions at this point,” Jensen said, “but we know the hospitals are not comfortable with the low supplies.”
Manufacturers had notified the FDA at the end of 2013 they anticipated delays in filling orders but a significant increase in flu cases have magnified the shortages.
Healthcare providers are reportedly saving saline only for the most seriously ill patients and in many cases using smaller bags to extend the supply.
About a year ago my doctor ,a rheumatologist , and director of a large well known hospital in new England told me there was a shortage in lidocaine . This is used widely in patients with severe pain in joints or muscles due to certain diseases ..but to be short of saline is unbelievable because this is used pre and post operatively in hospitals for patients undergoing surgeries ..wow.