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From national security stockpile to national strategic stockpile

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European Statement

Selection, Procurement and Distribution

Author(s)

Lykke Henriette Sandholt, Charlotte Kok Fredslund

Why was it done?

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, it became apparent that backorders for many medicines could arise worldwide. In Denmark, the same medicines are used in all hospitals for 1 or 2 years. As hospitals report estimates for the same drugs, it was possible to establish a national safety stockpile.

What was done?

In March 2020, Amgros established a national pharmaceutical safety stockpile for the Danish health authorities. The facility partner was approved, and the warehouse was constructed within a few months. Experience over the past three years has led to a national strategic stockpile run by Amgros on behalf of the Danish regions and Amgros.

How was it done?

Working with clinicians, clinical pharmacists, hospital pharmacies, and the Danish Medicines Agency, the range for the safety stock was identified based on defined criteria. Hospital pharmacies were also required to purchase from the safety stock. The warehouse was replaced every three to six months depending on criticality, and therefore was the risk of waste minimized. A procurement team was set up in Amgros, which established a good working relationship with pharmaceutical suppliers to identify backorders. The purchasing pharmacist regularly met with health professionals regarding drug numbers and quantity adjustments.

What has been achieved?

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, security of supply remained intact, mainly due to collaboration between healthcare actors, suppliers, and Amgros. The experience gained over the past three years has resulted in establishment of a national strategic stockpile. Danish regions run this stockpile in cooperation with Amgros. Selection of warehouse partner is among other things based on profitability and sustainability.

What next?

After establishing the strategic stockpile, the Danish regions and Amgros took over financial responsibility from the Danish authorities. A working group has been established, including hospital pharmacies and Amgros, to assess stock volumes at the warehouse. Medicines with unstable security of supply are stocked. Input from suppliers is highly valued. All tenders are monitored so the working group can add or delete medicines. We ensure supply when consumption is high (seasonal fluctuations). The goal of the strategic stockpile is to maintain security of supply and, thus, treatment of patients at Danish hospitals. As well as act promptly on announced and urgent backorders.

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