HIDA Calls For ‘Fast-Pass’ System To Expedite Medical Supplies Throughout Transportation System

Alexandria, VA – December 1, 2021 - Transportation challenges have become a major healthcare issue. The delay in delivering critical medical supplies to hospitals and other care settings threatens providers’ ability to care for patients. The Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA) recommends a “fast-pass” system that would expedite medical supplies throughout the nation’s transportation system.

HIDA members reported an average delay of 38 days has been added to the transportation of medical products. To put that in a holiday perspective, medical supplies arriving at a U.S. port on Christmas Eve won’t be delivered to hospitals until February 2022. 
“We as a country cannot allow cargo that is essential to treat patients and protect healthcare workers to wait in line during a public health emergency,” said HIDA President & CEO Matthew J. Rowan. 

To address this issue, HIDA has amplified the importance of reliable delivery of medical supplies by:

• Urging members of the White House Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force to prioritize critical medical supplies and align transportation operations to support healthcare during public health emergencies.


• Advocating to the U.S. Transportation Department for a Critical Cargo Program to create a “fast pass” for medical supplies at U.S. ports to prioritize critical medical supplies for container access and sea freight space and for priority handling of medical supplies.


• Collaborating with other private sector stakeholders to investigate additional solutions. Port leadership, terminal operator SSA Marine and its technology partner eModal are working to find solutions to today’s supply chain challenges, starting with a pilot program to implement a “fast pass” system at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Medical supplies and equipment must get into the hands of healthcare providers and frontline workers more quickly and efficiently.

HIDA is the industry trade association representing 114 distribution companies operating 500+ medical distribution centers across the care continuum nationwide. HIDA members deliver medical products and supplies, manage logistics, and offer customer services to virtually every healthcare provider. In 2020, they reliably delivered 51 billion units of PPE “the last mile” to providers. For more information, please visit HIDA.org .