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. It is important for everyone involved in the supply chain 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 the supply chain management strategies, transparent information, active management, timely and extensive communications to ensure the sustainable supply of drugs during a disease outbreak. In addition, raising the public awareness regarding the issues of drug shortage, confronting misinformation, and giving timely responses to public opinions are among the factors that should be considered.