Concerns have been raised within the medical technology industry regarding a potential shortage of helium, a gas crucial for operating MRI machines, due to the ongoing conflict in Iran. The German Industrial Association for Optics, Photonics, Analytics, and Medical Technology (Spectaris) informed the newspaper “Welt am Sonntag” that while current restrictions are isolated, some member companies anticipate short-term supply bottlenecks and rising costs. Spectaris is currently conducting a survey among its members concerning the repercussions of the crisis in Iran. The preliminary findings from the survey indicated that approximately a quarter of the participating companies utilize helium in their products or processes for essential functions, such as powering MRI equipment. According to Spectaris, many medical technology firms are already preparing or adjusting their procurement and supplier management strategies in response.
Janosch Dahmen, the health policy spokesperson for the Alliance 90/The Greens parliamentary group, warned of an escalation in the helium shortage. Speaking to the “Welt am Sonntag” Dahmen stated that prices are already rising significantly due to the shutdown of around 40 percent of global production capacity, particularly from Qatar. He added that a further complication could arise if the USA strategically implements its export policies, potentially to stabilize its domestic market while exerting continuous pressure on Europe. In such a scenario, not only a further price surge, but a genuine absolute shortage, cannot be ruled out.
Dahmen called on the Federal Minister of Health, Nina Warken (CDU), to take immediate action. He demanded, first, a current assessment of how the wars in Iran and Ukraine are affecting the German healthcare system-covering everything from supply chains to indirect risks for social security due to economic instability. Furthermore, he argued that a summit involving all key stakeholders from the health sector and industry is needed now. The purpose of this meeting would be to ensure supply security and resilient supply chains before the situation worsens and costs rise significantly.
