Medicine Shortage In Qatar

Last nite I went to Doha Clinic and the Doctor gave me some prescription, the Pharmacy guy discuss with my doctor over the phone what is the best alternative medicine for me.

I was worried that they will give some second best option available in the market. So they did. Now I have to wait and see if the medicine will work for me. Am sure am not the only one effected by this Medicine Shortage in Qatar. Read the Link below:

Medicine shortage in Qatar due to reliance on local distributorsPublished: Monday, 28 July, 2008, 01:02 AM Doha Time

The current shortage of medicine in Qatar is a direct result of the lack of logistic capabilities in the region, which stifles manufacturer access and ultimately leaves consumers in the lurch, according to a local logistics expert.
Maher Kheder, business development director at Pharma World Holdings, the first third party logistics company in the Middle East, was speaking in response to a report in Gulf Times earlier this week, which exposed the lack of availability of different types of medicine in Qatar.
He said that international manufacturers rely too heavily on local distributors who do not have the tools, training, financial backbone or updated software infrastructure to handle ever-increasing logistics requirements.
“A portion of the forecasting responsibility needs to be given to the manufacturers, who often don’t fully look into local distributor capabilities. Supply forecasting should be shared, decided and agreed upon by both parties,” he argued.
Kheder said that distributors work on a consignment basis that means placing larger orders involves larger financial outlay. “Many smaller distributors do not incorporate sufficiently sophisticated financial departments to handle increasing demand, and therefore place small orders or let stocks run dry before placing new orders,” he explained.
He also mentioned that small and medium sized distributors do not house dedicated financial specialists to analyse the economics of a region, and thereby fail to accurately forecast its needs.
“Out-of-date IT infrastructure is another major logistic hindrance,” he said, explaining that the latest enterprise resource planning (ERP) support systems mean that all aspects of the logistics process can be constantly monitored.
“The process can be monitored by multiple parties, from multiple locations, at a glance,” he described, adding that “many local distributors do not have the capital to invest in the latest technology, and if they do, these systems are often not used to their optimum.”
Kheder claimed that third party logisitcs companies, which are prevalent abroad but new in the Middle East, are the most effective method of maintaining adequate supplies.
He said: “Our elaborate in-house financial department incorporates analysts who look at and combine local market information to better forecast supply. In the case of medicine shortages, comprehensive networks across the Middle East mean that products are replenished within 24-48 hours – depending on the urgency.”
“Third Party Logistics has the ability to further open up the Middle East market to international manufacturers by easing processes and ensuring supply continually fits snugly with demand,” he added.