SUPPLY CHAIN
“When pharmacies become aware of shortages , they need to ration access to ensure a fair share of the available stock ”
MATTHEW BARDELL MANAGING DIRECTOR , NVENTIC
and procurement . Over the past three years , he ’ s seen the healthcare sector supply chain struggle , particularly , with stockpiling medicines .
“ It is difficult to prevent stockpiling since it is a natural human response in times of shortage ,” says Bardell . “ However , when key actors in the medicines supply chain , from the manufacturers themselves through to the end distributors , such as pharmacies , become aware of shortages , then they need to ration access to ensure a fair share of the available stock .”
The COVID-19 lockdown saw some confused consumers stockpile toilet paper – while some countries stockpiled precious PPE equipment .
“ Communication and education relative to coming stocks can help reduce anxiety . Stockpiling exacerbates short-term shortages , but then depresses demand as the stockpiled medicines are used up over time ,” Bardell explains .
“ The single biggest threat to the pharma supply chain is uncertainty . Medicines and vaccines are usually slow and complex to produce and highly regulated . Changing demand patterns and supply-side risks are challenges for any supply chain , but the particular constraints of the medicines supply chain make uncertainty particularly difficult to manage , especially when you consider how vital they are for patients .”
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