GE unit boosts medical dye output as China COVID lockdown cuts supplies

　　div classBodysc17zpet90 cdBBJodivpBEIJINGLONDON Reuters – General Electrics healthcare unit said on Tuesday it had increased output of dye used for medical scans and tests at its factory in Ireland and shipped products by air to help combat shortages caused by the suspension of its Shanghai factory. p

　　pThe steps to boost and speed up deliveries of chemicals used in CT scans, xrays and radiography highlight the farreaching impact the citys prolonged COVID19 lockdown is having on global manufacturing and supply of critical goods.pdivdivdiv classBodysc17zpet90 cdBBJodiv

　　pThe news comes after the Greater New York Hospital Assn GNYHA warned on May 4 of temporary supply shortages of GE Healthcares iodinated contrast media — specifically its Omnipaque products made in Shanghai.p

　　p“We are working around the clock to expand capacity of our iodinated contrast media products,” a spokesperson said after the company had to close its Shanghai facility for several weeks due to local COVID19 policies.p

　　pIt has now reopened, but the plant is not yet operating at full capacity.p

　　p“We are working to return to full capacity as soon as local authorities allow,” the spokesperson said.p

　　pIn addition to increasing output at its Cork, Ireland facility to help resolve the U.S. shortages, it has also flown product from Cork and Shanghai to the United States, rather than ship by sea to accelerate delivery, the company said. It did not give details on the increase in capacity or what extra costs it had incurred due to the measures.p

　　pThe New York hospital association said an 80 cut in supplies was expected to last for the next 68 weeks and advised healthcare providers to ration stocks.p

　　pShanghai authorities have tightened a citywide lockdown imposed more than a month ago on the commercial hub with a population of 25 million, a move that could extend curbs on movement through the month. p

　　pGE Healthcare has four contrast media manufacturing facilities, including the one in Shanghai.p

　　pA spokesperson for Bayer, which competes with GE Healthcare in contrast media, said it is not facing a similar situation, but it is taking “several measures to help manage the market situation with incremental volumes to support customers and minimise patient impact”, without elaborating further.p

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　　pp Reporting by Roxanne Liu in Beijing and Josephine Mason in London additional reporting by Ludiwg Burger in Frankfurt editing by David Evansp

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