Healthcare must learn from experience to combat global challenges for patients’ sake
22 Aug 2022
With nearly one in 20 of global drug trials affected by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, it’s essential that the healthcare sector applies lessons learned during lockdown to provide business continuity and mitigation plans in times of crisis, cautions Thomas Dobmeyer.
Patients are being put at terrible risk from the war in Ukraine. Not only have hospitals and other health facilities been forced to close due to attacks, making it hard for patients to be cared for, it has also posed a serious crisis for those who need medicine to manage chronic conditions, such as insulin to treat diabetes.
Manufacturing and the supply of medicines in the region are jeopardised by the war. Ukraine has become an important source for the development and distribution of medical supplies, and today many countries depend on both Ukraine and Russia for medicines. Tougher restrictions have made it harder to access many raw materials, but fortunately local manufacturers have been able to find other ways to access active pharmaceutical ingredients, excipients and packaging materials.
However, marketed products are only one aspect of the healthcare crisis. The war has stopped many clinical trials in the region, with indications that almost 5% of global drug trials have been impacted by the conflict.
Technology and digital enablement were crucial during the pandemic and can be leveraged now to support those impacted by war
There are steps that can and should be taken to address this – from following up with patients wherever they are and keeping them in trials if possible, to making data accessible via secure online channels, to building the network of investigators and doctors so trials can continue.
Already we’re seeing industry leaders rise to the challenge. They’re providing support to Ukraine through financial donations and the donation of medical supplies. Many have confirmed their ‘complete economic disengagement’ with Russia while striving to ensure patients everywhere receive lifesaving products.
Companies would also do well to learn the lessons of past conflicts as well as from other crises.
Most notable is how the Covid-19 pandemic required the industry to quickly develop business continuity and mitigation plans. Technology and digital enablement were crucial during the pandemic and can be leveraged now to support those impacted by war.
From our perspective, there is a huge role for providers to play in terms of helping pharmaceutical companies build a network across all stakeholders to identify unmet needs, urgent priorities and solutions and recommendations to support patients in impacted regions.
- Dr Thomas Dobmeyer is CEO of PharmaLex, and a physician, investigator and researcher by training
