Report: Many of America’s Ebola-Preparedness Supplies Have Expired
An inspector general’s report found that the Homeland Security Department did not adequately manage pandemic supplies.
By Sophie Novack
NationalJournal.com
October 24, 2014
Eighty-four percent of the hand sanitizer the Homeland Security Department has in stock in the event of an Ebola outbreak is expired, according to a government audit.
An August 2014 report from the department’s inspector general found that DHS did not adequately assess its need for pandemic preparedness supplies. The report also found that the purchase and management of these materials do not follow clear guidelines.
“The department did not develop and implement stockpile replenishment plans, establish sufficient inventory controls to monitor stockpiles, conduct adequate contract oversight, or ensure compliance with departmental guidelines,” wrote DHS Inspector General John Roth, in written testimony for a House Oversight hearing Friday.
“As a result, the department may not be able to provide pandemic preparedness supplies that are adequate to continue operations during a pandemic.”
The report raises concerns about the ability of DHS to protect personnel in the event of an Ebola outbreak in the U.S.
The Rest…HERE
