Pharmacies in an emergency: Digital platform helps with delivery bottlenecks!

Pharmacies in an emergency: Digital platform helps with delivery bottlenecks!

There is a new digital supply platform in Vienna that is a remarkable initiative to combat drug shortages. As Apotheke Adhoc reports, the platform has two main goals: firstly, to control the dispensing of state-run drugs such as Paxlovid in times of supply bottlenecks, and secondly, to promote cooperation between pharmacies in order to overcome such bottlenecks.

The digital platform offers the Ministry of Health and the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) the opportunity to access information about the distribution and stock levels of state goods at any time. This means that, if necessary, pharmacies can respond quickly to customer inquiries via neighborhood assistance. Viktor Hafner, the owner of the Linden Pharmacy in Vienna-Hernals, tested the platform as a pilot and reports positive experiences, in particular a case in which he was able to find an urgently needed eye ointment in a neighboring pharmacy. This shows once again how important the exchange between pharmacies is for customer loyalty.

Cooperation and voluntariness

Participation in this innovative platform is voluntary, meaning pharmacists are not obliged to make their stocks available. This could be a decisive factor for acceptance among pharmacists, as they can decide for themselves how they want to get involved. The platform is also free and does not pursue any commercial goals, which means it is operated without any private sector interests.

The need for such measures is particularly clear against the background of the current drug shortages in Germany. According to Apus Capital, pharmaceutical companies have regularly reported supply bottlenecks since 2013, with 328 medicines already affected by 2023. Painkillers, antibiotics and cancer drugs are particularly affected. The dependence on Asian manufacturers further exacerbates this situation, as a significant proportion of the active ingredients are produced there.

Challenges for pharmacists

Drugs like Paxlovid, which are important in COVID-19 treatment, also have their own challenges. The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) states that Paxlovid has been prescribed by a doctor since February 25, 2022 and can be purchased through wholesalers, but is only available in pharmacies if there is a doctor's prescription. There are also strict requirements for stocking these therapy units, which places additional demands on pharmacists. From January 15, 2024, Paxlovid will also be marketed through regular distribution channels, potentially contributing to more stable availability.

The situation clearly shows that pharmacists have to play a key role as a health contact point in order to provide patients with the best possible care. By exchanging ideas with each other and using digital tools, they could significantly improve their offerings and provide valuable support in dealing with current challenges.