Healthcare Groups Call Upon Federal Government to Address PPE and Medical Equipment Shortages

In late March, the Joint Commission, American College of Physicians, American Hospital Association, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, and the American Dental Association called upon the federal government to drastically increase PPE and other medical equipment production and distribution. In a public statement these groups state their concern with PPE, ventilators, swab kits, shortages, as well as overall testing capacity for COVID-19. These organizations represent frontline caregivers, institutions, and personnel who are at greater risks for COVID-19 exposure   and need more critical PPE immediately. The lack of PPE poses an additional risk to patients and caregivers compounded by the lack ventilators and other life-saving medical equipment, places healthcare facilities at a dangerous disadvantage against COVID-19. Efforts to increase PPE and medical-equipment production and distribution, as well as expands telehealth services are critical to preserving PPE and stopping the COVID-19 spread.