"Concerns Rise as U.S. Sells Helium Stockpile, Threatening Medical Supplies"

The U.S. government has sold its Federal Helium Reserve, raising concerns in the medical world about potential shortages of helium, critical for MRI machines. The sale could exacerbate an existing supply shortage, impacting an estimated 40 million MRI scans annually. Regulatory and logistical issues with the facility threaten a temporary shutdown as it passes from public to private ownership, and hospital supply chain experts worry about serious consequences for health care. The uncertain helium supply has led MRI manufacturers to develop alternatives, but the medical industry is closely monitoring the situation.