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Rachel V Thomas

Extended Hormuz Blockade To Disrupt Medical Devices Production, Spike Cost Of MRIs, Syringes In India

From higher costs on syringes, catheters, and MRIs, to medical supply shortages and longer wait times, the increasing geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, which is likely to prolong, can spell trouble for the healthcare industry.

Amid a 48-hour "ultimatum" from US President Donald Trump to "fully open" the crucial waterway, Iran on Sunday said the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all shipping except that of its “enemies”.

The ongoing conflict has already spiked prices for medical devices—specifically plastics for syringes and catheters – due to the rising cost of raw materials. If disruptions persist, it can also warn of potential shortages, experts told HealthandMe.

In a statement, the Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD) noted that the medical device input costs have already risen by nearly 50 percent for critical plastics, over 20 percent for packaging, and self-generated power running on diesel. It noted that PNG gas prices used for power generation and process heating have nearly doubled due to reduced availability.

This is eroding razor-thin margins on essentials like syringes, nitrile gloves, catheters, and plastic disposable medical devices in a highly competitive, volume-driven market.

“A shortage of liquid helium could impact the installation of new MRI scanners, each of which requires around 1,500 liters for the initial magnet fill. Supply disruptions linked to the war may delay new installations and push up costs, as helium prices are likely to rise amid tighter availability,” Dr. Harsh Mahajan, Mentor FICCI &amp; Founder Mahajan Imaging &amp; Labs, told HealthandMe. 

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/middle-east-crisis-disrupting-health-services-fueling-diseases-environmental-hazards-who-article-153825047" data-type="tilCustomLink">Middle East Crisis Disrupting Health Services, Fueling Diseases &amp; Environmental Hazards: WHO</a>

<h2>Hormuz Blockade: No Shortage Now </h2>

The expert noted that there is no immediate concern for existing MRI machines.

It is because most currently installed scanners use K4 technology with zero boil-off systems, allowing them to operate efficiently without frequent helium refills. 

“Typically, a top-up is needed only once every three years, when the magnet’s cold head is replaced. As a result, the existing installed base is expected to continue functioning without disruption in the near term,” Dr. Mahajan said.

According to experts, while one to three week shipment delays are manageable via buffers, prolonged disruptions risk production halts, hospital shortages, and costs due to inflated prices from market abuse by dominant large raw materials players. 

Rajiv Nath, Forum Coordinator, AiMeD, has assured that “as of now, there are no shortages of syringes or other medical disposables, contrary to circulating rumors—there is no need to panic”. 

While many manufacturers have adjusted product pricing by 10-20 percent to sustain operations, there is no acute shortage in key polymer grades like Polypropylene, HDPE, or LDPE, he added. 

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/black-rain-over-irans-capital-tehran-sparks-health-fears-article-153790647" data-type="tilCustomLink">Black Rain Over Iran's Capital Tehran Sparks Health Fears</a>

Long-term Hormuz Blockade Can Affect Critical Medical Supplies 

However, the rapidly deteriorating situations and a longer blockade of Hormuz can lead to “substantial price increases, longer lead times, and highly elevated freight costs, which are pressuring cost structures and planning cycles”. 

Nath said evolving global supply chain dynamics require close monitoring to prevent impacts on production timelines and industry stability. 

The Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI) also warned that the ongoing US/Israel-Iran conflict and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz directly threaten India’s access to critical and life-saving medical technologies. 

"Modern healthcare systems operate on just-in-time inventory models with minimal buffer stock. When large consignments - like those shipped by sea - are delayed or stranded, there is simply not enough inventory in the system to compensate, even through costlier alternatives like air freight," Pavan Choudary, Chairman, MTaI, told HealthandMe.

He also noted that shipment delays beyond March 31 can lead to "budget lapse, forcing a fresh approval cycle - thereby compounding delays that often stretch to months".

It is because many public institutions in India front-load procurement toward the financial year-end. 

The industry experts urged the government to take urgent action to safeguard over 5 lakh jobs, ensure affordable healthcare access under Atmanirbhar Bharat, and protect exports to the US and EU.

The AiMeD also urged the Indian government not to reduce import duties on medical devices based on rumors of shortages.

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From higher costs on syringes, catheters, and MRIs, to medical supply shortages and longer wait times, the increasing geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, which is likely to prolong, can spell trouble for the healthcare industry.  Amid a 48-hour "ultimatum" from US President Donald Trump to "fully open" the crucial waterway, Iran on Sunday said the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all shipping except that of its “enemies”. The ongoing conflict has already spiked prices for medical devices—specifically plastics for syringes and catheters – due to the rising cost of raw materials. If disruptions persist, it can also warn of potential shortages, experts told HealthandMe. In a statement, the Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD) noted that the medical device input costs have already risen by nearly 50 percent for critical plastics, over 20 percent for packaging, and self-generated power running on diesel. It noted that PNG gas prices used for power generation and process heating have nearly doubled due to reduced availability. This is eroding razor-thin margins on essentials like syringes, nitrile gloves, catheters, and plastic disposable medical devices in a highly competitive, volume-driven market. “A shortage of liquid helium could impact the installation of new MRI scanners, each of which requires around 1,500 liters for the initial magnet fill. Supply disruptions linked to the war may delay new installations and push up costs, as helium prices are likely to rise amid tighter availability,” Dr. Harsh Mahajan, Mentor FICCI & Founder Mahajan Imaging & Labs, told HealthandMe. Also read: Middle East Crisis Disrupting Health Services, Fueling Diseases & Environmental Hazards: WHOHormuz Blockade: No Shortage Now The expert noted that there is no immediate concern for existing MRI machines. It is because most currently installed scanners use K4 technology with zero boil-off systems, allowing them to operate efficiently without frequent helium refills. “Typically, a top-up is needed only once every three years, when the magnet’s cold head is replaced. As a result, the existing installed base is expected to continue functioning without disruption in the near term,” Dr. Mahajan said. According to experts, while one to three week shipment delays are manageable via buffers, prolonged disruptions risk production halts, hospital shortages, and costs due to inflated prices from market abuse by dominant large raw materials players. Rajiv Nath, Forum Coordinator, AiMeD, has assured that “as of now, there are no shortages of syringes or other medical disposables, contrary to circulating rumors—there is no need to panic”. While many manufacturers have adjusted product pricing by 10-20 percent to sustain operations, there is no acute shortage in key polymer grades like Polypropylene, HDPE, or LDPE, he added. Also read: Black Rain Over Iran's Capital Tehran Sparks Health FearsLong-term Hormuz Blockade Can Affect Critical Medical Supplies However, the rapidly deteriorating situations and a longer blockade of Hormuz can lead to “substantial price increases, longer lead times, and highly elevated freight costs, which are pressuring cost structures and planning cycles”.  Nath said evolving global supply chain dynamics require close monitoring to prevent impacts on production timelines and industry stability. The Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI) also warned that the ongoing US/Israel-Iran conflict and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz directly threaten India’s access to critical and life-saving medical technologies.  "Modern healthcare systems operate on just-in-time inventory models with minimal buffer stock. When large consignments - like those shipped by sea - are delayed or stranded, there is simply not enough inventory in the system to compensate, even through costlier alternatives like air freight," Pavan Choudary, Chairman, MTaI, told HealthandMe. He also noted that shipment delays beyond March 31 can lead to "budget lapse, forcing a fresh approval cycle - thereby compounding delays that often stretch to months". It is because many public institutions in India front-load procurement toward the financial year-end.  The industry experts urged the government to take urgent action to safeguard over 5 lakh jobs, ensure affordable healthcare access under Atmanirbhar Bharat, and protect exports to the US and EU.The AiMeD also urged the Indian government not to reduce import duties on medical devices based on rumors of shortages.

iran war strait of hormuz extended hormuz blockade to disrupt medical devices production, spike cost of mris, syringes in india

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