Drug Supply Chain Management in COVID-19 Pandemic:Lessons from Iran and Preparation for Future

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented challenges to all nations worldwide. Among these challenges, a drug shortage can have adverse effects on the health of the world community. This paper in the evaluation of drug supply chain management during the COVID-19 pandemic focuses on the potential resources of drug shortage, initial preparation, and plans for eliminating probable shortages and improving Iran’s drug supply chain management The paper also makes some evidence-based suggestions to ensure the accessibility of drugs and improvement in drug supply chain management both during a pandemic and in the long run. Everyone involved in the supply chain needs to cooperate in a bid to achieve preparation and formulate transparent emergency plans to deal with the drug shortage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, it is essential to revise and improve supply chain management strategies, ensure transparent information, adopt active management, and maintain timely and comprehensive communication to sustain drug supply during a disease outbreak. In addition, raising public awareness of drug shortages, confronting misinformation, and providing timely responses to public opinion are among the factors that should be considered.