The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic imposed several unprecedented challenges that are impacting various sectors, especially the healthcare sector globally. To meet the increasing demand for Personal Protective Equipment, PPE manufacturers in the USA have accelerated their daily production. During these times, the USA has showcased the potential to source affordable and high-quality PPE all over the world.
However, frequent temporary lockdowns imposed across the nation to reduce the spread of COVID-19 infections have posed a major challenge to the PPE industry. It was primarily due to the shortage of PPE, supply-chain deficiencies, dependency on outsourcing PPE manufacturing to China, etc.
As the new variants of COVID-19 are emerging across the globe, PPE manufacturers are gearing up to produce personal protective equipment to meet unexpected demands and uncertainties. However, the PPE industry is exposed to several challenges during the pandemic.
Challenges of PPE Manufacturers in the USA
Unprecedented PPE Demand
There was a sudden demand for Personal Protective Equipment last year due to the increase in COVID+ cases in the country. They are mostly important for frontline workers and practitioners working in industries, labs, quarantine and medical centers, air travelers, etc. According to UNICEF, it is estimated that about 2.2 billion surgical masks, 1.1 billion gloves, 8.8 million face shields, and 13 million goggles would be required by the end of this year. Industries are working on capacity-building processes to meet this rising demand.
Lockdowns Affected Supply Chains
In addition to the capacity-building process, PPE manufacturers are posed with difficulties in the supply chain due to lockdown. This has caused many supply chain disruptions which have led to the dire shortage of personal protective equipment in the healthcare sector.
Issues Related to the Quality of Raw Material Used by PPE Manufacturers
The major challenge faced by Personal Protective Equipment manufacturers in the USA for PPE production is the lack of a reliable supply of high-quality raw material. This made PPE manufacturing difficult and cost-inefficient to meet the stringent quality standards. PPE manufacturers are making efforts to meet the supply chain and raw material challenges.
Selling of Inferior Quality or Non-authorized PPE
Envisioning the increased demand for PPE, numerous non-authorized Personal Protective Equipment manufacturers and bulk PPE suppliers in the USA produced and supplied counterfeit PPE to make money. With the acute scarcity of high-grade raw materials, quality PPE items are available at a higher price range, thus compelling people to purchase cheaper options. Taking advantage of this situation, many non-certified bulk PPE suppliers in the USA emerged in the marketing selling poor quality PPE at lower prices. These inferior quality PPE items do not meet the regulatory safety regulations.
People Are Not Aware of the Product Certification
Government and organizations must try to stop the emergence of counterfeits in the USA market by creating awareness about high-quality PPE certifications. They must also host awareness programs to train the hospital workforce in finding the differences between quality and counterfeit PPE.
No Strong Expertise in Producing Proper Masks for Children
PPE manufacturers need to start producing proper face masks and other PPE items for children and caregivers to protect them against any wave of the coronavirus. However, in reality, many lack expertise in manufacturing quality face masks for children.
Conclusion
Keeping up with the surge in demand and providing affordable PPE without compromising quality has become the need of the hour. Many PPE manufacturers are increasing the capacity to meet future uncertainties. Moreover, as the PPE industry has emerged as one of the most essential industries during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government should support the industry and eliminate the gaps by implementing the associated law and regulations in the USA. The PPE companies should implement changes systematically to enhance the working environment and labor productivity to boost PPE production on a large scale.
As one of the leading bulk PPE suppliers in the USA, we are supported by a large network of certified Personal Protective Equipment manufacturers who sell quality PPE at affordable price rates. If you’re looking to source quality PPE from the USA at reasonable prices, you can contact us to place bulk orders.
FAQs
How do PPE manufacturers make sure that the personal protective equipment they manufacture is safe and effective?
To ensure the safety and effectiveness of PPE, the FDA has established Quality Systems Regulations and Good Manufacturing Practices. PPE manufacturers are supposed to follow these regulations and practices to maintain the quality of products and to perform product testing to ensure that the products meet the quality standards. For PPE, these quality standards include leak protection, fluid resistance, filtering capacity, or resistance to wear and tear. When these standards are met, they provide assurance that PPE is safe and effective.
Where can I buy quality PPE in the USA?
You can buy quality PPE at reputed pharmacies, medical supply stores, and online bulk PPE suppliers in the USA like Co-Defend.
Are PPEs washable?
No. Disposable PPEs are meant for single-time use and by one person only. So, it cannot be washed. Also, washing PPE affects its effectiveness and protective capabilities.