The Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) on Friday called on the government to implement urgent supply-chain measures to keep medicine prices stable and avert potential shortages as global disruptions threaten pharmaceutical logistics.
In a statement, PHAP said the country’s pharmaceutical sector remains exposed to external shocks, particularly in the Middle East, a key hub for shipping medicines and raw materials. While no immediate shortages have been reported, the group warned that prolonged disruptions could eventually affect domestic supply.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with member companies to assess developments and align on urgent actions,” PHAP said.
The industry group underscored the long lead times required to produce critical medicines—often between 12 and 24 months—warning that supply interruptions today could translate into shortages down the line if not addressed promptly.
To mitigate risks, PHAP proposed a 10-point strategy centered on tighter coordination between government and industry. Among its key recommendations are the creation of a six-month national inventory buffer, institutionalized joint demand forecasting, and the establishment of a National Medicines Logistics Command Center to enable real-time supply monitoring.
The group also urged authorities to streamline logistics by setting up green lanes for pharmaceutical shipments at ports, expanding cold-chain storage capacity, and securing dedicated fuel allocation for medicine distribution.
To contain price pressures, PHAP emphasized the role of pooled procurement to consolidate demand across public and private sectors, allowing buyers to negotiate better prices and ensure steady supply. It likewise called for regulatory flexibility, temporary tax relief, and broader value-added tax exemptions on medicines to offset rising logistics costs.
Citing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, PHAP said countries with accurate demand forecasts and firm procurement commitments were prioritized in global supply allocation, highlighting the need for stronger public-private coordination under the Universal Health Care framework.
