Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are creating a ripple effect, directly threatening access to specialized medicines and medical supplies worldwide. The disruption of vital transport routes has forced the pharmaceutical industry to grapple with skyrocketing costs and stringent storage requirements.
Challenges in logistics and cold chain maintenance
The paralysis of key aviation and maritime hubs in the Gulf has compelled logistics providers to seek alternative routes through Turkey or Saudi Arabia, followed by overland trucking.
This shift not only extends delivery times but also jeopardizes temperature-sensitive products such as vaccines and oncology treatments. Maintaining the cold chain now requires vast amounts of dry ice and fuel, driving operational expenses to unprecedented levels.
Domino effect: From raw materials to finished products
The conflict’s impact extends beyond finished medications to essential secondary supplies:
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Critical components: A potential shortage of small but vital items like rubber stoppers for vials and medical-grade plastics for IV bags.
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Chemical precursors: Major generic drug producers like India are facing hurdles as crude oil imports through the Strait of Hormuz fluctuate, directly impacting the production of common drugs like Acetaminophen.
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Consumer markets: In the U.S. and the U.K., even without direct imports from the conflict zone, citizens face potential shortages of blood pressure, diabetes, and antibiotic medications due to broken links at the end of the supply chain.
National strategic responses
With medical stockpiles estimated to last only 1 to 3 months, several governments have begun implementing emergency measures. The U.K. is considering export bans on high-risk drug categories while boosting domestic manufacturing. Experts warn that if the disruption persists, the pharmaceutical market will likely see a wave of price hikes and product shortages within the next four to six weeks.
Source: https://vnexpress.net/xung-dot-my-iran-de-doa-chuoi-cung-ung-duoc-pham-toan-cau-5051278.html