Functions Of Pharmaceutical Wholesalers In Brief

By Annabelle Holman


Any supply chain requires the vital role of distributors. For the case of pharmaceutical wholesalers, they are most important transaction partners in pharmaceutical supply chain. This is evident in their provision of the link between pharmacies and manufacturers. This ensure that the supply of drugs continually agree with the forces of demand.

These wholesalers will either act as full-line or even short-line. In the case of full-line, their main business is in the distribution of pharmaceuticals. Full-line distributors provide the most vital link. They purchase medicine and store in their warehouses. They then prepare orders and finally deliver them. They offer a wide range of assorted products, both in terms of range and depth. Short- line wholesalers operate within specific line of products. These wholesalers play six crucial roles.

They bridge distance between manufactures and retailers. This is because they link manufactures and the points where medicines are to be dispensed. They store medicine in warehouses. These warehouses will ensure proximity of the drugs to their consumers. This also ensures that there is consistent supply as per the requirements of the demand.

They assure high quality products. It is assured due to the fact that the law requires compliance with strict rules and regulations. For example, certain drugs may require being stored within certain range of temperatures. This ensures that there is better control measures put in place due to controlled distribution practices. These measures are aimed at discouraging entry of counterfeit medicines. It is crucial especially now when counterfeit products are increasingly produced and poses a great danger to humans.

Controlling the entire quality of drugs. Quality assurance is best achieved through better wholesaling practices. There is standardization of facilities such as storage and also transport to provide temperatures that are controlled. When you look at developed countries, you will find relatively better regulations and control measures. This drastically reduces the amount of fake drugs that are introduced into the market. For this supply chain, the patient stands out as the vital and sensitive subject.

Closing the bridge of time when production is taking place and consumption. Drugs are known to vary with other products in terms of supply and production. Consumption will only be in single units although production is in bigger volumes. A balance must be achieved to ensure that what is supplied is the exact amount that is demanded at any point of time. Distributors always try to achieve this through their logistic networks. The middlemen are able to close this bridge as they store medicine and supply when need arises.

Providing value added services. Due to increased completion, there is a need to come up with strategies to with stand it. Drug distributors want to stand from the rest. One way of achieving is through offering value added services. This comes where they do not just act as pure distributors but try to offer integrated services. The center of these services is creating value at the both receiver end which includes pharmacies and manufactures. Some medicine distributors offer one stop shopping.

Finally, wholesalers provide a balance will control the amount supplied using indirect distribution. This will promote efficiency and will bring in more revenue. This balance can only be achieved through storage. This sees to it that what is in the market is what is needed in regard to the forces of demand.




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