As a company that’s been on the frontlines of drug distribution for nearly two centuries, McKesson is focused on being part of the solution when it comes to building more resilient supply chains that can help mitigate shortages, despite shocks to supply or demand. With deep expertise in pharmaceutical distribution, supply chain analytics, and market access dynamics, we are committed to helping address the multitude of issues contributing to drug shortages. Shortages are not a new concept and can occur because of many different factors. For example, shortages could be caused by higher treatment rates over time (demand), manufacturing and quality challenges, or generic economic deflation, resulting in fewer competitive suppliers within a specific market.
Solving supply chain disruptions requires cooperation and collaboration across all stakeholders — including distributors, manufacturers, payors, pharmacies, providers and government partners. While each drug shortage is unique, together, we can build supply chain resiliency by understanding the root causes and deploying targeted solutions.
Learn more ways we’re fortifying our supply chain and helping our customers continue to receive the medications they need.
Drug Shortages: Root Causes and Recommended Solutions
Drug shortages can all prevent or delay access to necessary treatments, disrupting medical care and compromising patient health. By better understanding and addressing the often highly variable root causes, bolstering supply preservation efforts, and improving communication between stakeholders, we can make meaningful progress in protecting the health of patients.
