It is probably true that there are no two pharmaceutical wholesalers that are the same, but the variation out there is also probably a little surprising. Over the years at Pharmacy Consulting, we have probably seen more of them than most.
From the simplest, one product specialists operating from a stock “cupboard”, up to the full line players, the differences in size and scope is vast. Ove the last 10 years or so there have been changes in those requiring licences, in 2014/15 we saw a number of previously unlicensed operators in the marine and aviation survival sector having to obtain licences following agreement between the MHRA and the MCA, most emergency kits that have to be carried by aircraft and boats contain medicines. Over the last couple of years there has been a net reduction in the number of licensed wholesalers, down roughly 10% in terms of licence holders and a greater percentage in terms of sites. The main driver for this being the Brexit changes relating to IP rights and the resultant decimation of the parallel export trade.
When considering complexity, the sector that particularly springs to mind at the moment are those wholesalers working in foreign aid. They are constantly having to balance inventories, to make sure they have appropriate items in stock for immediate deployment but whilst minimising waste. They have to be ready to ship anywhere in the world at short notice but must also comply fully with transport qualification procedures. The situation in Gaza has further complicated matters as shipments were due to take place around Easter but Israel closed the supply lines overnight meaning that some deliveries had to either be diverted to holding areas or accommodated in the warehouses along with incoming stocks ordered to replenish that which was expected to be delivered into Gaza. Add into that the other things that all wholesalers are coping with at the moment, such as stock shortages and the heatwave, talk about keeping the plates spinning! And let’s not forget that most of these are charities or other non-profit making organisations, reliant on either government grants or as is increasingly the case, public donations.