By David Schweihs, Sr. Vice President, Healthcare Solutions:
In times of crisis, such as pandemics or natural disasters, pharmacies and hospitals face immense pressure to maintain continuous access to medications. Supply chain disruptions, resulting from catastrophic weather events, etc., can leave healthcare providers struggling to meet patient needs. However, the ability to track every medication's chain of ownership can be a game-changer in boosting critical supply chain resilience.
As we’ve recently witnessed with the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which struck west of our headquarters in North Carolina, natural disasters can dramatically disrupt the healthcare supply chain. Pharmacies and hospitals in affected regions face significant challenges in maintaining access to critical medications. In moments like these, the importance of product traceability under DSCSA becomes undeniable.
Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), the full product traceability called for under DSCSA is not just a regulatory requirement but a strategic asset in crisis management. By leveraging serialized data, pharmacies can ensure that medications are accurately tracked from the manufacturer to the patient, identifying potential disruptions early and acting swiftly to mitigate them.
This comprehensive visibility into the chain of custody allows healthcare providers to proactively address challenges, whether it’s detecting counterfeit drugs, identifying supply bottlenecks, or reallocating resources during a crisis. With the infrastructure for full product traceability in place, pharmacies and hospitals are better equipped to navigate disruptions, ensuring medication safety and maintaining patient care standards.
The enhanced ability to respond to crises—made possible by DSCSA compliance—ensures that healthcare providers can continue delivering essential medications, safeguarding both the integrity of the supply chain and the well-being of their patients. By leveraging DSCSA’s product traceability standards, pharmacies and hospitals can strengthen their operational resilience and emerge from crises with greater agility and preparedness.