I can tell you one reason why many businesses are in short supply of critical items. About 20 years ago everyone went to Just In Time. Most companies, including hospitals, can predict their needs. They therefore buy products that are delivered, sometimes within minutes of actual need. This is fine, so long as nothing extraordinary happens, like a trucker strike, a hurricane or a war. The money and storage cost saved by JIT is astonishing. But it assumes everything is always just fine.
JIT, or as I've always called it: OSWO - Oh Shucks, We're Out...