Ep 24. America's Medical Supply Crisis

America's Medical Supply Crisis is the 24th episode of the 39th season of the documentary series Frontline. This episode takes a deep dive into the critical shortage of medical supplies that emerged in the United States in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through a series of interviews with frontline healthcare workers, industry experts, and government officials, the show explores the challenges that hospitals and healthcare workers faced as they scrambled to secure personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks, gloves, and gowns.

Viewers get a glimpse into the complexities of the medical supply chain and the global competition that emerged as countries around the world raced to obtain critical supplies. The program also examines accusations of price gouging and fraud that emerged during this time, sparking outrage and calls for more government regulation.

In addition to the struggles of obtaining PPE, the show also delves into the challenges with securing necessary medical equipment, like ventilators. The program examines how the government initially failed to act as COVID-19 ramped up, leading to a dangerous shortage of these critical devices in hospitals across the country, and how people had to find new and unconventional ways to create proper equipment.

Overall, America's Medical Supply Crisis is an eye-opening look at the chaos that occurred in the early days of the pandemic, exposing the reality of what happens when an infectious disease takes hold. Through its interviews and reporting, the show provides a sobering reminder of the importance of being prepared for future health crises.