US healthcare sector 'impacted by supply chain issues'

Supply chain disruptions in the US are responsible for drug shortages facing companies in the healthcare industry, according to a new report.

Research from the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics has revealed that the generic and injectable drug markets in America are subject to volatility in the procurement market at present, which could have an impact on patients relying on such treatments.

According to the data, most of the products in short supply are dependent on only one or two suppliers, with the narrowing provider base for these drugs increasing the risk of further disruptions in future.

According to the IMS Institute, this shows the need for better industry monitoring of supply chain issues, as well as greater focus from healthcare stakeholders.

Murray Aitken, executive director for the institute, said: "With targeted structural improvements and an early warning system in place, patients will have greater assurance that their treatments will not be disrupted."

According to a recent report from UPS, the global supply chain is seeing major shifts at present, with high-tech firms looking to move away from China due to rising costs in the Asian nation.