Saline Solution Shortage is a sterile mixture of water and sodium chloride (0.9%), essential in medicine and everyday healthcare. It is used for intravenous rehydration of patients, wound irrigation, nasal passage cleansing, contact lens care, and diluting medications for injections. Due to its widespread use, a shortage could severely impact the healthcare system’s functionality and the availability of medical care.
Saline solution is an important product for all parents, as it is commonly used for nasal irrigation in young children, especially during the winter months when colds are frequent and breathing difficulties are common. It is also essential for wound cleansing and many other uses that make life easier for new parents. In this
In this article, wasteless.bio revealed to us who is the main culprit for the shortage of saline solution.
Saline Solution Shortage in Europe and Worldwide
Saline Solution Shortage has been recorded in numerous countries worldwide, from the U.S. to Australia. Australia reports issues due to the flu season, and its healthcare sector warns that increased demand caused by the flu and other respiratory infections, combined with global production problems, has led to delivery delays and limited availability.
The same issue has reached Europe, with the biggest problem currently in Croatia, where pharmacies are the most affected. Patients and consumers are advised to monitor availability through online stores and specialized medical platforms, as saline solution is currently unavailable in pharmacies.
Numerous healthcare institutions in Croatia report reduced deliveries; however, it is important to emphasize that hospitals and other public healthcare facilities still have sufficient stocks of saline solution. The problem is limited to retail and pharmacies. Many compare this situation to the shortage that occurred during the COVID-19 crisis when the chip shortage significantly impacted the prices of computer equipment and slowed down the delivery of new cars.
The Main Reason for the Saline Solution Shortage
Wasteless.bio is a company specialized in the supply and disposal of medical waste cites the United States and its supply chain issues as the main reason for the saline solution shortage. In September 2024, Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina, USA, causing floods and damaging the Baxter International factory, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of intravenous solutions, including saline solution. This factory supplies more than 60% of the U.S. market, and disruptions in production quickly affected Europe as well.
Following the hurricane, the U.S. began mass purchasing saline solution from the global market due to depleted supplies. This high demand from the U.S. is the primary cause of the current global saline solution shortage. According to available information, Baxter International plans to gradually restore production at the affected factory. However, a full return to previous capacity could take time, meaning the saline solution shortage could last until the end of 2025.
Status and Supply of Saline Solution in the UK
Despite numerous challenges, the supply chain in the United Kingdom remains stable for now. Baxter International, one of the key manufacturers of intravenous solutions, operates production facilities in Thetford, UK, which have continued functioning without significant disruptions. As a result, the UK has not experienced a major shortage of Saline Solution Shortage on the market.
Additinally, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) maintains an official list of medicine shortages. According to the latest data, saline solution is not among the affected products.
This does not necessarily mean that the shortage will not reach the UK, as a saline solution shortage is expected to persist throughout 2025. Experts recommend rational use of saline solution and strongly advise against stockpiling or purchasing excessive amounts for personal reserves.