The Chief Executive Officer of the LBJ Hospital, Scott Anesi, says supplies to conduct blood tests have been replenished with a shipment that arrived on the cargo flight on Monday.
He said the hospital is giving priority to medical supplies for the lab and also pharmaceuticals. Whatever is in short supply will be sent by airfreight instead of ocean freight.
He acknowledged however that there are still some medical supplies and equipment are in short supply.
The CEO had mentioned in a previous interview that a container load of medical supplies had arrived. Anesi explained that container included a new CT scan and some medical supplies. He said they are awaiting the arrival of another container of medical supplies and equipment. He added that medical supplies that run out quickly will be airlifted.
Two doctors at the hospital had raised concerns over the shortage of supplies to conduct blood tests and for swabs. They were told that vendors had withheld hospital orders because of non payment of bills. The doctors said they hoped publicity about the situation would move leaders to provide funding to settle the debts so that vendors will resume shipments of urgently needed supplies.
According to the CEO two vendors had withheld orders because of unpaid bills. They have reconciled their accounts and have worked out a payment plan, which the vendors have approved. When asked how much the hospital owes to vendors, Anesi said they are compiling a report on aging accounts and receivables for a House hearing next Tuesday.
Asked if the hospital is getting any assistance from the government, Anesi said they hoped to have a discussion with the Acting Treasurer concerning ASG’s subsidy for the hospital, which hasn’t been paid since 2024.
