Baxter Supporting Puerto Rico Recovery, Product Supply Continuity
Product supply remains intact at our manufacturing locations
DEERFIELD, Ill. -
Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX), a leading global medical products company, today issued this statement:
Over the last several days, the people of Puerto Rico have experienced multiple earthquakes and aftershock effects, disrupting the power supply, displacing residents and complicating basic needs. Our hearts are with the people of Puerto Rico, and we are grateful that our employees are all safe and accounted for.
Baxter’s priorities are to ensure the ongoing safety of our employees, and to deliver on our commitment to patients and customers by providing continued access to the life-sustaining products and therapies they need. Immediately following the initial earthquake, we implemented our emergency preparedness process and have worked closely with authorities to understand and manage the situation as it evolves.
We are not experiencing disruptions to product supply currently. Based on our preparedness plans and existing days of product supply, no material interruptions in supply are expected assuming no further significant earthquake activity. Baxter has back-up power sources available at all locations as necessary until consistent grid power is restored to the island. We are continuously monitoring inventory levels as well as the potential need for swift deployment of existing product and production to alternate sites, should the need arise.
In addition to maintaining consistent supply, Baxter is working with non-profit relief partners to assess how Baxter can aid in the island’s recovery efforts. This includes authorizing our partners to deploy products that are pre-positioned for use in times of crisis. These products are proactively manufactured twice a year specifically for donation to address needs in underserved communities. Through this manufacture-to-donate program, we traditionally partner with relief organizations such as Americares, Direct Relief and Partners In Health to help ensure the people impacted in a disaster have access to essential Baxter products.
We understand the importance of supply continuity and the impact a supply interruption has on patients and customers, and therefore are committed to communicating any changes in supply.