FDA Can’t Do Enough to Ease Medical Shortages, Experts Worry (1)

The federal agency keeping watch over the nation’s drugs and medical supplies is in overdrive trying to assuage public concerns about shortages thanks to the new coronavirus, but the situation highlights just how little power the agency has to ensure the supply chain stays stable.

Almost 90% of drug plants making active pharmaceutical ingredients are located overseas, the agency reported in October. Roughly 80% of protective equipment like masks, gowns, and gloves are manufactured in Asia, according to Premier Inc., a consultant company that specializes in health care supply chains. The viral swab kits for testing Covid-19 are also ...