Pharmac reports that the medical sector has not yet experienced significant disruptions due to supply issues arising from the US-Iran conflict.
Although a few supply challenges have been identified, efforts are being made in collaboration with suppliers, Health New Zealand, Medsafe, and the logistics sector to detect risks early and secure alternative products when necessary.
The Middle East plays a crucial role in producing helium, which is essential for cooling MRI machines and treating emphysema.
It has been confirmed that helium supplies have been secured from the United States, routed through Australia.
Simon Calvert, BOC Southern business manager, stated that the company maintains a strong working relationship with New Zealand Health, ensuring that medical supplies are prioritized over other uses like party balloons.
Helium also finds applications in industries such as welding, vehicle airbags, fiber optics, and semiconductor manufacturing.
“We certainly won’t let the medical system run short,” Calvert assured.
The distribution of gas is managed by road from the company’s centers in Auckland and Christchurch.
Calvert noted, “If helium runs out, it’s because the diesel’s run out, but we’re not currently concerned about running out of diesel.”
Based on past experiences when helium was supplied from Australia, the industry has improved its ability to manage supply challenges, Calvert explained.
“That situation placed some pressure on the helium market in Australasia, causing prices to increase significantly, but it also allowed us to prioritize customers effectively.
“For example, if faced with a similar situation, we would halt the supply of balloon gas.”
Since shifting its supply lines from Australia through its US-based parent company Linde, the company is less affected by unrest in the Middle East compared to international competitors shipping via the Strait of Hormuz.
Robyn Shearer, Te Whatu Ora health and safety national executive director of people and culture, mentioned that the organization is monitoring its medical supplies, including helium for 33 MRI scanners.
“We have good stocks of medical supplies currently.
“We continue to proactively engage with our suppliers and are participating in the all-of-government planning response to ensure medical supplies are prioritized if necessary.”
Steve Carden, chief executive of RHCNZ Medical Imaging Group, stated that they are working closely with suppliers and have not observed any impact on their services.
“Helium is only needed in very rare circumstances, such as during an MRI ‘quench,’ when the magnetic field warms unexpectedly, causing the system to shut down safely and release helium used for cooling.”
The RHCNZ Medical Imaging Group operates Pacific Radiology.
Toni McDonald
