Fresenius Medical Care (FMS), the largest provider of dialysis products and services in the globe, is geared to provide rapid assistance for those in need, even in worst case scenarios. Kidney dialysis patients require treatment every 2 or 3 days. Hence, timely treatment can be a matter of life or death for patients when natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes and floods, strike.
Fresenius Medical Care North America (“FMCNA”) runs a far-flung network of dialysis facilities with over 1,800 clinics across the nation. On a worldwide basis, it is the biggest vertically integrated vendor of dialysis products and related services. FMCNA, in general, is well positioned to take care of patients even in times of natural disaster. The company has developed detailed plans to assist all dialysis patients, even those who are not its clients.
According to FMCNA, it is completely committed to providing necessities, such as food and generators, during crisis. The company believes in taking care of its staff so that they can in turn look after the welfare of patients. Furthermore, its national, regional, and local heads have clear rules to abide by, so that the company can mobilize resources at any level.
FMCNA has an incident command structure in place. In order to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, the company recently held a disaster training and planning summit for its national emergency task force. Participants included both management as well as staff experts.
The summit was conducted at FMCNA’s disaster preparedness warehouse based in Jackson, Mississippi. This site is also used as a year round, crisis staging theater and logistical command center. The participants at the summit lived in campers, checked equipment and discussed topics to increase general preparedness.
FMCNA also maintains staging sites from where it can rapidly distribute emergency provisions. These sites store medical supplies, food, generators and other supplies.
When disaster looms, FMCNA deploys its national emergency task force and works in conjunction with local government and other bodies. FMCNA also maintains a patient hotline for those who need assistance.
The company’s rapid response measures were tried during the recent tornadoes in Alabama and flood-hit areas adjoining the Mississippi. During hurricanes Katrina and Ike, FMCNA provided care for evacuated patients.
On a geographical basis, Fresenius Medical Care’s revenues, in the U.S., stagnated somewhat at almost $2 billion while international revenues surged 14% to $1.1 billion, in the first quarter, reflecting the vast potential for renal therapy overseas.
Fresenius Medical is the world’s largest provider of products and services for patients undergoing dialysis treatment. The company’s principal competitor in the U.S. is DaVita (DVA), which provides dialysis services for patients suffering from chronic kidney failure or end stage renal disease.
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