Supply Chain Issues
The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated a global disruption of supply chains and led to significant global supply shortages in various medicines and health-related products. Shortages and struggles for access disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, including those with chronic illnesses, low-income individuals, and marginalised communities. Problems with shortages and uncertain medical stocks and reports of counterfeit medical essentials continue.
Haldane, V., De Foo, C., Abdalla, S.M. et al. Health systems resilience in managing the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons from 28 countries. Nat Med 27, 964–980 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-021-01381-y
Ongoing Supply Chain Challenges
Vulnerabilities in the pharmaceutical supply chain are ongoing. Shortages in raw materials and logistical and manufacturing challenges contribute to ongoing, significant shortages in various drugs and supplies.
Generic sterile injectable medications Shortages in drugs essential in hospital settings for treating severe illnesses and managing critical care situations due to manufacturing issues, quality problems, and increased demand due to respiratory illnesses.
Chronic Disease Medications Essential medications for chronic conditions, including Insulin and diabetes management drugs, drugs used to manage epilepsy, and cardiovascular drugs for chronic heart conditions, including antihypertensives and anticoagulants, face supply challenges, challenging patients' ability to manage their condition.
Antibiotics and Pain Management Drugs Common antibiotics, opioids and non-opioid pain relievers are experiencing shortages due to increased demand and disrupted manufacturing processes.
Oncology Treatment Chemotherapy agents and supportive care medications that manage side effects of chemotherapy, like anti-nausea drugs.
==== HRT Medications ==== The supply of Hormone Replacement Therapies (HRT), including estrogen and progesterone products, was disrupted affecting individuals relying on these treatments for menopausal symptoms, gender-affirming care, and other hormonal imbalances.
Mental Health Medications Antidepressants and antipsychotics were impacted by supply chain challenges and by increased demand.
Antivirals HIV/AIDS Medications: Antiretroviral drugs saw supply issues. Hepatitis Medications for hepatitis B and C treatments were impacted.
Immunosuppressants Organ transplant medications and autoimmune disease treatments for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Generic Vaccines Routine vaccines, such as flu vaccines, were in short supply due to the focus and attention shifting to COVID-19 vaccine production.