2 in 5 patients fear pharma supply chain issues pose illness, death risk

About 75% of APAC patients want more pharmaceutical regulations.

Zebra Technologies released the findings of its Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Vision Study on 22 November. It revealed patients' distrust of the medications they are receiving and segments within the pharmaceutical supply chain, including the entities who manufacture, distribute, prescribe, and dispense drugs. 

The study revealed 43% of patients worldwide fear illness or death could result from contaminated or tainted medications without supply chain improvements. It also showed patients expect drug manufacturers to disclose how their medications are manufactured or handled (81%) and transported or stored (82%).

In the Asia Pacific region, around 75% of patients say more regulation of pharmaceuticals is needed, and 95% of decision-makers say better cooperation between government agencies and pharmaceutical industry companies are needed to protect patients, the highest of any region.

Southeast Asia Sales Vice President Christanto Suryadarma said, "It is crucial for manufacturers, government agencies, pharmacies and healthcare providers to work hand-in-hand to win consumers' trust in the supply chain."

Zebra's Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Vision Study studied a global audience of over 3,500 patients and pharmaceutical industry decision-makers to evaluate perceived supply chain stability, gauge supply chain responsibility and trust in its entities, and identify needs for improving supply chain visibility and transparency.