PSMO-02 - Innovation in supply chain of health commodities: Pharmacists role in equitable and affordable access to medicines and medical devices 

Ballroom East
Organised by the FIP Industrial Pharmacy Section in collaborarion with the FIP Community Pharmacy Section, the FIP Military and Emergency Pharmacy Section and the FIP Early Career Pharmaceutical Group

Chair(s)

Mr Chima Amadi, Clemac Digital Health, United Kingdom

Introduction

Access to medicines is recognised as a fundamental human right. However, the 2022 World Health Organization report highlights that about one-third of the world’s population (2.5 billion people) lack access to quality and affordable medicines. This challenge has led to significant preventable mortality and high disease prevalence globally, especially in the Global South (e.g., Asia and sub-Saharan Africa), widening the health inequality gap between the Global North and South.

One of the key factors impacting access to medicines is the supply chain process from manufacturers to community pharmacies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, disruptions in the global supply chain of health commodities led to high costs of medicines, increased incidences of counterfeit medicines and elevated mortality rates from non-communicable diseases. Many community pharmacies in the Global South were unable to manage stocks of COVID-19 vaccines and other cold chain products, resulting in product spoilage and financial loss.

As pharmacists and custodians of medicines, we have a role to play in improving access to medicines by ensuring efficient supply chain systems. Innovation, collaboration and sustainability are essential and to meet global medicines needs. Ethical supply chains and circular economy principles are now industry standards, fostering sustainability from medicine development to distribution. 

Programme

 

11:00 – 11:05  Introduction by the chair
11:05 – 11:35

Effective supply chain of medicines and medical devices in the Global South
Dr Mohammed Ismail, World Health Organization, Congo
11:35 – 12.05

Innovation in supply chain of medicines and medical devices
Mr Stephane Simon, French Chamber of Pharmacists, France
12.05 – 12:25

Panel discussion
12.25 – 12:30 Closing

Learning objectives

  • To equip pharmacists with knowledge and skills on innovative processes in the supply chain that align with their area of pharmacy practice.
  • To share knowledge and experiences of different case studies where innovation is being applied to create an effective supply chain system for better medicine access.
  • To raise awareness of the FIP policy statement on pharmacists’ role in access to medicines.

Summary

  • Building an efficient supply chain of health commodities is key to ensuring adequate access to quality medicines and medical devices.
  • Through innovation and collaboration, pharmacists can positively impact the supply chain of medicines and medical devices in their respective areas of practice.
  • Pharmacists are encouraged to explore and apply the FIP policy statement on pharmacists’ role in access to medicines and medical devices.