A survey conducted by US Pharmacopeia (USP) has revealed that seven of 10 US physicians say that the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened drug supply chain problems, limiting their ability to provide quality patient care.
According to the survey:
- 95%of physicians surveyed believe COVID-19 revealed vulnerabilities in the medicines supply chain that are not going away.
- 90%are concerned that the global medicines supply chain may not be reliable in a time of crisis.
- 83%believe drug shortages have become a bigger problem in recent years.
- 73%feel their trust in the ability of the supply chain to deliver safe, quality medicines have eroded.
- A large majoritybelieve responsibility for keeping the supply chain resilient spans sectors and countries.
Clearly, Congress has a lot to do when it comes to ensuring a safe and reliable drug supply in the United States, beginning with lowering drug prices so that those who need them can afford them.
This is an on-going project of TSCL’s, and we will be working hard to first, lower drug prices, and then make sure the system is reliable.