Health workers worldwide continue facing critical shortages of masks, gowns, and protective equipment despite years since the pandemic began. Depleted national stockpiles, theft of supplies, and lack of strategic planning have left hospitals improvising solutions while frontline workers reuse equipment and risk exposure.
·A doctor was struck off the medical register for selling stolen PPE on eBay
·Shortages disproportionately affect workers in underserved and minority communities
·Experts warn America could face PPE deficits for years without coordinated procurement strategy
·Hospitals are reusing single-use gowns and rationing masks due to supply gaps
·National stockpiles remain depleted with no comprehensive restocking plan in place
drawn from BBC, World Health Organization (WHO), PBS, The Guardian · updated 142d ago