Proposed tariffs, stricter immigration policies threaten healthcare workforce, supply chain

Editor's Note

Immigration and trade policies proposed by President-elect Donald Trump could exacerbate challenges with healthcare staff and medical supply chains, according to recent reporting from Modern Healthcare and The Hill.

As detailed by Modern Healthcare, stricter immigration policies could impede efforts to recruit skilled international workers, exacerbating gaps in care amid increasing demand from an aging population. Published December 31, the article explains how heavily healthcare workers rely on international workers, and how delays and backlogs in visa processing programs hinder the arrival of foreign-born professionals. For example, Adventist HealthCare has hired 800 international nurses since 2019 but only 25% have reached the U.S. due to visa delays. The system spends an average of $31,000 per nurse for sponsorship, relocation, and onboarding. Providers like SSM Health use strategies such as virtual engagement and support groups to retain international hires during prolonged waiting periods.

Experts warn that stricter visa policies could raise costs, prolong shortages, and push skilled workers to seek opportunities in other countries, the outlet reports. The full article offers additional context on these warnings as well as potential solutions, such as legislation that would repurpose unused visas for nurses and physicians.

According to The Hill, proposed tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China could significantly affect US drug prices, particularly for generics, as well as the cost of medical equipment. Experts also warn that existing shortages could worsen. Generic drugs, which make up 90% of US prescriptions, are particularly vulnerable, but industry insiders fear further price hikes and doubt steep tariffs will be imposed on the drugs’ active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs, most of which come from China).

According to the December 31 article, medical devices and disposable supplies like masks and gloves are also at risk, with supply chain experts predicting short-term cost increases and potential disruptions. Recent disasters, such as Hurricane Helene disrupting IV fluid production, underscore the fragility of the system.