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

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

Hernals, Österreich - In Vienna there is a new digital supply platform that represents a remarkable initiative to combat drug bottlenecks. As reports pharmacy adhoc, the platform pursues two main goals: First, control over the submission of state medication such as Paxlovid in times of delivery bottlenecks, and secondly, the promotion of cooperation between pharmacies, in order to To overcome bottlenecks.

The digital platform offers the Ministry of Health and the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) the opportunity to call up information about the distribution and stalls of state goods at any time. In this way, pharmacies can react quickly to inquiries from their customers even if necessary via neighborhood aid. Viktor Hafner, the owner of the Linden pharmacy in Vienna-Hernals, has tested the platform as a pilot operation and reports on positive experiences, especially of 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, which means that pharmacists are not obliged to provide their inventory. This could be a crucial factor for acceptance among pharmacists, as they can decide how to get involved. The platform is also free of charge and does not pursue any economic goals, which means that it is operated without any private sector.

The need for such measures is particularly clear against the background of the current drug bottlenecks in Germany. According to [Apus Capital] (https://apuscapital.de/2023/06/01/. Pain relievers, antibiotics and cancer medication are particularly affected. The dependence on Asian manufacturers increases this situation because a significant part of the active ingredients are produced there.

challenges for pharmacists

medication such as Paxlovid, which are important as part of the Covid 19 treatment, also have their own challenges. The Federal Institute for Medicines and Medical Devices (BFARM) notes that Paxlovid has been prescribed by a doctor since February 25, 2022 and obtained from wholesale, but is only available if there is a prescription in pharmacies. There are also strict guidelines for storing these therapy units, which places additional requirements for pharmacists. From January 15, 2024, Paxlovid will also be placed on the market via regular sales channels, which may contribute to more stable availability.

The situation clearly shows that the pharmacists have to play a key role as a health reference point in order to provide patient: to provide the best possible to supply it in the best possible way. With the exchange with each other and the use of digital aids, you could significantly improve your offers and provide valuable support in dealing with current challenges.