The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has reported persistent shortages of multiple IV fluid products from all three Australian suppliers—Baxter Healthcare, B. Braun, and Fresenius Kabi. These shortages are attributed to global supply limitations, unexpected increases in demand, and manufacturing issues. The TGA anticipates that these constraints will continue throughout 2025.
Potential Price Increases
Due to these supply challenges, our suppliers have indicated the possibility of price increases for IV fluids in the near future. While we cannot predict the exact timing or magnitude of these changes, we want to ensure you are aware of this potential development.
MedCart Australia's Commitment
At MedCart Australia, we are dedicated to supporting our customers during these challenging times. We are actively working to procure sufficient stock of IV fluids to meet your needs. As of now, we have decided not to increase our prices, despite the market pressures. Our priority is to provide you with reliable access to essential medical supplies.
Recommendations for Our Customers
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Plan Ahead: Given the limited availability, we recommend assessing your current IV fluid inventory and considering future requirements.
- Stay Informed: Keep abreast of updates from reputable sources such as the TGA to understand the evolving situation.
- Explore Alternatives: If appropriate, consult with healthcare professionals about alternative treatments or products that may be available.
We understand the critical nature of IV fluids in patient care and are committed to mitigating the impact of these shortages on your operations. Our team is here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.
Thank you for your continued trust in MedCart Australia. Together, we can navigate these challenges and continue to provide quality healthcare solutions.
MORE DETAILS ON IV FLUID SHORTAGES
When Did the IV Fluid Shortage Start?
Timeline of the IV Fluid Shortage
- Early 2023: Supply chain issues and increased demand cause a shortage.
- July 2024: The TGA issues an official shortage alert.
- 2025: The TGA predicts that supply challenges will continue throughout the year.
The IV fluid shortage is not just a problem in Australia—it is a global issue affecting hospitals and healthcare providers worldwide. The shortage started in early 2023 and has continued into 2025 due to several key factors:
1. Global Supply Chain Disruptions
- Many IV fluids are produced overseas, particularly in the U.S. and Europe. Disruptions in manufacturing plants due to extreme weather events, labor shortages, and transportation delays have severely impacted supply.
Example: When Hurricane Maria slammed into Puerto Rico last September 2017, it forced the temporary shutdown of Baxter's manufacturing plants. Baxter makes up more than 43 percent of the United States' IV solution market.
The closure drastically reduced the production of small-volume saline bags (250ml or less), disrupting global supply chains, including Australia. While production resumed after Puerto Rico’s power grid was restored, Baxter faced a three-month backlog, delaying the recovery process (CBS News, 2017).
2. Increased Hospital Demand
- The demand for IV fluids has surged due to rising hospital admissions. Contributing factors include an aging population, an increase in elective surgeries, and higher rates of infections requiring IV treatment.
Example:
- The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported a significant rise in elective surgeries in 2024, putting further strain on IV fluid supplies. Source
- Seasonal spikes in illnesses like influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 have placed additional strain on hospitals. NNDSS report shows that this month (27 January to 23 February 2025), there was a 34.6% decrease in COVID-19 notifications, a 9.9% increase in influenza notifications, and a 33.9% increase in RSV notifications. Source
3. Manufacturing and Distribution Challenges
- Factory shutdowns, supply chain bottlenecks, and raw material shortages have affected production.
- In 2024, Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on North Carolina significantly disrupted Baxter’s North Cove facility —a plant responsible for producing 60 percent of the nation’s IV bags and peritoneal dialysis solutions. Source
- The resulting shortage has forced hospitals to ration supplies.
Which Suppliers Are Affected?
Australia relies on three major suppliers for IV fluids:
- Baxter Healthcare
- B. Braun
- Fresenius Kabi
All three have reported difficulties in keeping up with demand. This has raised concerns about Australia’s heavy dependence on overseas manufacturers for critical medicines.
Why Can't We Use Other IV Fluids?
Hospitals worldwide are facing a critical shortage of saline (0.9% sodium chloride) and Hartmann’s solution, essential IV fluids used for hydration, medication dilution, and electrolyte balance (University of Sydney, 2024).
Switching to alternative IV fluids is not always possible because:
- Different formulations: Medications are specifically designed for use with saline or Hartmann’s solution. Substituting another IV fluid may alter drug effectiveness or cause safety issues.
- Limited medical guidance: The Australian Injectable Drugs Handbook, provided by the Australian Society of Hospital Pharmacists (ASHP), offers guidance on which drugs can be safely mixed with different IV fluids. If suitable alternatives are unavailable, patient care may be compromised.
Current Supply & Government Response
To manage the shortage, the Australian government has approved multiple overseas-registered saline brands. Under current legislation, these imported brands bypass Australia’s standard quality checks but must be approved in their country of manufacture. This approach ensures a faster response to shortages but raises concerns about product consistency and safety.
Please see further information below or visit TGA’s Section 19A approvals database for up-to-date information about the alternative products (search by the active ingredient, ‘0.9% Sodium Chloride’).
Why Doesn't Australia Manufacture Saline Locally?
The saline shortage highlights a larger issue—Australia’s heavy reliance on overseas manufacturers for critical medicines. The country currently lacks the capacity to produce IV fluids at scale, making it vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions.
To address this, the Albanese Government has invested $20 million into expanding onshore IV fluid production. This funding will support:
- Expansion of Baxter Healthcare’s production facility in Western Sydney (Australia’s only IV fluid manufacturer).
- A 20 million unit increase in local IV fluid production by 2027.
- Securing Australia’s long-term supply chain for critical hospital medicines.
Baxter Healthcare has committed an additional $20 million, bringing the total investment to $40 million. As a result, by 2027, Australia will produce 80 million IV fluid units per year, significantly reducing dependence on overseas suppliers. Source.
Where Can I Buy IV Fluid Supplies in Australia?
If you’re looking for IV fluid supplies in Australia, MedCart Australia offers a range of IV fluids and related medical products from trusted suppliers. MedCart is an Australian-based online medical marketplace, making it easy for hospitals, clinics, and healthcare professionals to source essential IV fluids conveniently.
