The Irish facilities racing to meet the demand caused by acute product shortfalls in the US

Shortage of contrast dye has resulted in hospitals postponing CT scans and rationing care

GE's plant in Carrigtwohill employs more than 600 people manufacturing contrast dye for use in MRIs and CT scans. Picture: iStock

Highlighting its position at the centre of the world for food production and healthcare manufacturing, facilities in Ireland have again ramped up production to help make up for a shortfall of essential products elsewhere around the world.

The General Electric (GE) plant in Carrigtwohill, Co Cork has significantly increased production of a medical dye that is in short supply around the world, particularly in the US, due to the strict Covid lockdowns in parts of China.