AMA warns surgeries may be cancelled due to ‘unprecedented’ shortage of IV fluids across Australia

The peak doctors’ body has warned the health system could ‘come to a grinding halt’ if more IV fluid does not become available. Photograph: Carly Earl/The Guardian

Surgeries could be cancelled as soon as next week due to an “unprecedented” shortage of intravenous fluids in Australian hospitals, the peak doctors’ body has warned.

The medicines regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), issued a shortage alert on Friday for multiple intravenous (IV) fluid products, which are used in surgery and critical care.