MMC’s Data-Driven Solutions Help Strengthen Supply of Essential Children’s Cold & Flu Medications
Early and proactive planning key to keeping hospital pharmacy shelves stocked and supporting continuity of care
The 2023 cold and flu season is here – bringing with it an increased need for key paediatric pharmaceuticals at hospitals. Through proactive, data-driven planning, Mohawk Medbuy (MMC) is spearheading unique solutions to strengthen the supply of these essential medications. Our ongoing collaboration with Members, suppliers and government stakeholders is helping keep hospital pharmacies’ shelves stocked and supporting continuity of care throughout the 2023 season.
In 2022, an early and sustained viral illness season led to a marked increase in the need for children’s cold and flu medications. Coupled with high levels of purchasing in community settings, this increased demand led to manufacturer supply disruptions and the eventual need for foreign-imported supply.
As a not-for-profit organization and the supply chain partner of choice for many children’s hospitals, MMC’s value-added support is tailored to the specific needs of paediatric pharmacies. Building on the learnings of 2022 and our significant pool of data regarding supply chain disruptions, MMC laid the groundwork early on to help ensure a stable supply of these child-format products for 2023.
“Mohawk Medbuy began planning for this year’s virus season well in advance,” said Sonja Sawh, MMC’s Senior Director, Pharmacy Services. “Our powerful analytics capabilities gave us unique visibility into Member hospitals’ cumulative 2022 usage – which we leveraged to proactively plan for future needs.”
MMC surveyed Member hospitals, who indicated they were expecting a 30 to 50% increase in demand compared with previous years. Armed with a complete picture, MMC strategically approached suppliers to secure the needed medications well in advance of the viral season’s onset. “Through early engagement with Members and suppliers, we’re helping guard against shortages and create a more resilient supply chain for this vulnerable population of patients,” added Sonja.
The result – MMC Member hospitals have early access to a robust supply of medications earmarked specifically for hospitals, and a logistical plan is in place to support this increased demand.
MMC worked closely Canadian suppliers, including Apotex Canada. According to Apotex Canada’s President, Ray Shelley, “We’re pleased to proactively assess the need for essential medicines and adjust our inventory levels as required to provide critical support to our customer and patients for the cough and cold season. As a Canadian-Based Global Health Company, whether from our domestic manufacturing facilities or our network of global partners, our commitment to ensure patients have access to the medications they need is unwavering.”
Michel Robidoux, President and General Manager, Sandoz Canada, concurred. “As the global largest anti-infectives manufacturer and a strong leader locally, Sandoz is proud to proactively collaborate with organizations like Mohawk Medbuy that aim to ensure readiness for flu peak cycles in Canada. We are proud to have developed a one-of-its- kind, AI-driven global flu predictor for the upcoming flu season, and we’re ready for a proactive manufacturing response while we work with purchasing groups to secure availability of supply for Canadian patients.”