Prognosis
Now The World’s Hospitals Are Running Out of Vital Rubber Gloves
- Malaysia’s factories forced to cut production due to lockdown
- The country supplies two-thirds of the world’s medical gloves
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An impending glove shortage is hitting the world, compounded by measures to contain the deadly coronavirus in a country that dominates production: Malaysia.
The country’s glovemaking association -- whose members make 3 out of every 5 gloves worldwide -- is warning of a global “chronic shortage” of the critical medical gear as the plants were forced to cut staffing due to Malaysia’s expansive lockdown. Top Glove Corp. Bhd, the world’s largest producer, said demand from the U.S., Europe and other nations outstrips its capacity while fulfillment of orders is running as late as four months behind.