Project
Improved pharmaceutical pandemic preparedness
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical vulnerabilities in the Dutch pharmaceutical supply chain, leading to life-threatening shortages of essential medicines. These shortages were heavily influenced by complex factors such as regulations, pricing strategies, and supply chain organisation. In response, this project aims to reinforce the resilience of the Dutch pharmaceutical supply chain and reduce the risk of pharmaceutical shortages during future pandemics.
Background
The Dutch pharmaceutical supply chain is vulnerable for shortages in essential medicines. This was especially exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Operations Research & Logistics (ORL) group, together with Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam works on the project Modelling supply chain best practices for improved pharmaceutical pandemic preparedness (MOSUPPAN).
This initiative is supported by a diverse array of partners across the pharmaceutical supply chain, including wholesalers, pharmacies, end-users, and industry organisations. By collaborating with these key stakeholders, we investigate the main factors that contribute to the vulnerability of the supply chain and to identify key levers that enhance the resilience of the Dutch pharmaceutical supply chain. We analyse and predict pharmaceutical demand and shortages, and develop policies to ensure fair distribution during shortages to mitigate their impact. The aim of the project is to effectuate a more resilient and responsive pharmaceutical supply chain that can better withstand the pressures of future pandemics.
Key objectives of the project include:
1. Stress Testing the Dutch Pharmaceutical Supply Chain
Through advanced modelling and evaluation of supply chain scenarios, this effort seeks to identify key levers that can enhance the resilience of the national PSC.
2. Optimising Policies for Medicine Shortages
The project will focus on developing policies for equitable prioritisation of pharmaceutical stocks, especially those that remain scarce after alternatives are considered, to ensure fair distribution during shortages.
3. Accurately Predicting Demand and Medicine Shortages
Researchers will analyse and predict pharmaceutical demand and shortages, with a focus on understanding the impact of controllable factors on demand variability and product availability.