NY State’s unused Medical Equipment: A Half-Billion Dollar Question
A recent audit by the Office of the State Comptroller has revealed a staggering amount of unused, state-owned medical equipment languishing in New York warehouses. The audit indicates that nearly $453 million worth of equipment, purchased during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, remains untouched almost five years later.
The Inventory: A Breakdown
- Total Investment: Nearly $453 million
- Quantity: 247,000 pieces of equipment
- types of Equipment: Ventilators, X-ray machines, CPAP machines, oxygen tanks, and more.
- Distribution rate: Only three items have been distributed.
- Current Location: Stored in boxes across the state under the care of the Department of Health (DOH).
Did you know? Proper storage and maintenance are crucial for medical equipment to remain functional and safe for use in emergencies. Neglecting maintenance can lead to equipment failure and potential harm to patients.
The Comptroller’s Concerns
Mark Johnson from the Office of the state Comptroller highlighted the financial and practical implications of this situation: Right now we’re paying costs to store the equipment and another finding we had in the audit is a lot of the equipment is missing the required maintenance to keep it in good working order should another medical emergency arise.
The audit further revealed that 90% of the equipment recommended for preventive maintenance is past due, and the maintenance contract expired a couple of years ago.
Pandemic procurement and Current Stance
During the pandemic, then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo oversaw the ordering of medical supplies to expedite the process. A spokesperson for the DOH has since distanced the agency from the initial purchases but defended its current management,stating they regularly review and maintain all equipment in the emergency medical stockpile.
Legislative Reaction
Sen. Pam Helming expressed her dismay: I was stunned, quite frankly, by the audit.
While acknowledging the urgency of the health crisis at the time, she questioned the lack of action to redistribute the equipment: I know I have constituents in my rural areas that would benefit from being able to use that equipment and it’s just stockpiled in warehouses.
Missed Opportunities and Unmet Needs
In 2021, a committee suggested retaining approximately 50,000 items, and the DOH surveyed healthcare providers about their interest in the remaining equipment. While there was interest in about 25,000 pieces, no follow-up action was taken to deliver the equipment.
Helming emphasized the need for action: I think the state should work with their counties and find out who could benefit, what counties need those types of resources, and allocate it to the counties.
Pro Tip: Regular audits and assessments of stockpiled resources are essential to ensure they meet current needs and are in good working condition. This can help prevent waste and ensure resources are available when needed.
Local Healthcare Providers weigh In
News10NBC contacted URMC and Rochester Regional Health to gauge their interest in the surplus equipment.
- URMC: A spokesperson confirmed that Strong Hospital completed the survey but received no follow-up. They remain interested in the equipment.
- Rochester regional Health: Unsure if they received the survey but confirmed they did not receive any equipment. They also remain interested if the opportunity arises.
The Path Forward
The situation calls for a extensive strategy to assess, maintain, and redistribute the unused medical equipment. Collaboration between state agencies, local healthcare providers, and county governments is crucial to ensure thes resources benefit the communities that need them most.
