The billions of tax dollars headed for hospitals and states as part of the $2.2 trillion coronavirus response bill won’t solve the critical shortage of protective gowns, gloves and masks. That’s what a close look by The Associated Press has found. Experts say the problem isn’t a lack of money. It’s that there aren’t enough supplies to buy. What’s more, the crisis has exposed a fragmented procurement system that’s descending into chaos just as demand soars. Hospitals, state governments and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are left bidding against each other and driving up prices.
Relief package billions can’t buy hospitals out of shortages
