A hybrid framework to model resilience in the generic medicine supply chain of MSMEs

Purpose One of the most important components of healthcare is the timely delivery of pharmaceutical products, such as life-saving medicines. However, disruptions like COVID-19 bring new challenges and risks to the pharmaceutical supply chain (PSC) and healthcare organizations that impact their operational performance. This study focuses on mitigating risks in India's generic medicine supply chain (GMSC) as a result of various disruptions, which can assist policymakers develop appropriate plans and strategies to build resilience in the Jan Aushadhi Scheme (JAS) of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in order to improve their overall performance. Design/methodology/approach Risk-causing vulnerabilities and resilience capabilities are identified from the literature review and expert's opinions. Following that, the vulnerabilities are classified into cause-and-effect vulnerabilities, and supply chain resilient capabilities (SCRCs) are measured using a hybrid fuzzy DEMATEL and best worst method (FDEMATEL-BMW) framework. Findings The outcome of the study reveals that transportation breakdown, loss of human resources and loss of suppliers are the potential risk-causing vulnerabilities that lead to vulnerabilities like shortages of medicines, loss of in-hand stock qualities and loss of sales/revenue. In addition, the analysis suggests that the sustainability of an organization with maximum weightage is the critical factor for building resilience in GMSC followed by flexibility, agility and visibility. Practical implications The integration of resilience into Jan Aushadhi GMSC can help in managing disruptions efficiently and effectively to mitigate risk and optimize MSMEs overall performance. Originality/value To the best of the authors' knowledge, this work will be the first of its kind to model resilience in GMSC of MSMEs using a hybrid framework.

How Can Lower-Income Countries Access COVID-19 Medicines Without Destroying the Patent System? The National Exhaustion Solution

Many scholars argued that improving access to medicine requires major amendments to the patent system, which is structured according to the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights. This article argues that the argument is not necessarily true. Amending Article 6 of the TRIPS Agreement to adopt a national exhaustion rule for pharmaceutical patents would be sufficient to achieve a considerable improvement in access to medicine while simultaneously strengthening patent protection. This proposal encourages the pharmaceutical industry to adopt a price discrimination policy whereby Pharma would lower medicine prices in the lower-income countries. Accordingly, global access to new medicines such as COVID-19 medicines could be increased as these countries have the majority of poor people. At the same time, Pharma can continue to sell the same medicine in higher-income countries at higher prices, generating sufficient profits to incentivize research and development. © 2022, National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources. All rights reserved.

Impact of Covid-19 on the Buying Behaviour of Consumers with Respect to Purchase of Medicines Through online and Retail Outlets

The unprecedented impact of Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the economy is transforming consumer behaviour in purchasing various drugs. This study examines the change in consumer awareness levels and purchasing patterns concerning online pharmacies and generic drugs in the wake of the recent pandemic. It also explores the reasons behind changing attitudes, implications of these new consumer habits, and measures pharmaceutical retailers can take to evolve stronger. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 260 randomly selected consumers attending a retail pharmacy attached to a secondary diabetes care centre in Andhra Pradesh from December 2020 to January 2021. The study involved 150 males and 110 females. We collected each consumer's demographic data, including age, gender, location, annual household income, and educational level. We used a questionnaire to assess consumers' awareness levels and buying patterns regarding online pharmacies and generic drugs, as well as their favored approaches to future shopping. In our study, 63.8% of subjects knew about online pharmacies, but 20.5% of them were aware only after the outbreak. Thirteen percent of consumers purchased medicines online, while 35.3% of them did so in response to the pandemic. On the other hand, 64.6% of the subjects know about generic medicines, but 8.3% of them have not heard of them until after the pandemic. Furthermore, consumers purchased generic medicines in 20.8% of cases, and 11.1% of those who purchased generics did so after the pandemic. In addition, we found that 79.2% opted for branded medicines in the future, while 56.9% chose local stores. 'COVID-19 lockdown brought a surge in awareness about online pharmacies and generic medicines, as well as a surge in online and generic purchases. Yet consumer sentiments towards local stores and branded medicines are positive during the COVID-19 times. The post-COVID-19 sentiment is as well looking optimistic for local stores and branded medicines.