Pharmaceutical Sector Warns of Medicine Supply Chain Risks in Public Hospitals

Pharmaceutical industry associations have raised concerns about a National Health Service regulation requiring public hospitals to purchase 80% of medications and medical supplies through the Essential Medicines Program and Central Distribution Center. The industry warns this policy could create bottlenecks in medication availability and supply reliability. These restrictions may impact patient access to essential treatments across public healthcare facilities. The associations argue that diversifying pharmaceutical suppliers is critical to ensuring consistent inventory and preventing shortages that could affect care quality.