HDMA Convenes Pandemic Preparation Workshop

Main Category: Swine Flu
Also Included In: Flu / Cold / SARS;  Public Health;  Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 01 Sep 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) recently convened a one-day workshop to help HDMA's distributor members review the successes and challenges of the response to the H1N1 outbreak in the late spring of this year, and facilitate better communication with manufacturers and state and local health officials going forward.

The rapid emergence of H1N1 influenza A last spring, and its attendant coverage in the news, led to a sharp increase in demand for antivirals and related medical products, such as surgical masks and hand sanitizers. The Federal government released a portion of the Strategic National Stockpile of antivirals. States around the country activated pandemic emergency plans. Though there were occasional and anecdotal reports of product shortages, HDMA distributor members proved in the spring to be critical in ensuring access to antivirals and other supplies for millions of Americans.

Representatives of Roche, GlaxoSmithKline and Novartis shared manufacturer perspectives and answered questions on pandemic preparedness efforts, including antiviral and vaccine production and supply capacity. The group also reviewed lessons learned though HDMA's participation in RxResponse, a group of healthcare stakeholders dedicated to supporting the continued provision of medicines during a national emergency.

Two officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared their plans for distribution of the H1N1 vaccine and the Strategic National Stockpile of antivirals. Representatives of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) and the National Governors Association (NGA) also presented their perspectives.

"The H1N1 pandemic underscores the extent to which the collaborative efforts are needed - across the entire healthcare supply chain, and especially with Federal, state and local health officials - to ensure that medicines and supplies are delivered safely and effectively," said John M. Gray, HDMA President and CEO. "HDMA and its distributor members recognize this need. Today's dialogue will enhance our collective preparedness to reliably deliver needed medicines and supplies in the event of a severe pandemic."

The Association also has mobilized its Emergency Preparedness and Influenza Task Force to assist with coordination efforts and continues to actively share information with supply chain partners and public health officials.

"One lesson we all learned from our experience in April is the need for timely information - about not only how and where H1N1 is spreading, but also how the supply chain is responding," said Greg Yonko, Senior Vice President for Purchasing, McKesson and Chair of the HDMA Emergency Preparedness and Influenza Task Force. "Everyone in attendance - distributors, manufacturers and public sector representatives alike - left the meeting feeling more informed and better prepared to respond quickly and effectively to the next outbreak."

For more about HDMA's efforts related to H1N1 response, visit http://www.healthcaredistribution.org.

Source
The Healthcare Distribution Management Association

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