COVID-19 lessons provide opportunities to strengthen healthcare supply chain expertise
Today, New York is at the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic - with our state’s healthcare facilities strained as demand for medicines and protective equipment remain at an all-time high.
As the effects of social distancing, quarantine, and the swift actions taken by our healthcare providers and government officials become apparent, scientists have thankfully begun to adjust their coronavirus fatality projections downward. New York’s pharmacists stand ready to play a vital role in defeating COVID-19.
New York State’s response to the virus has been a case study in leadership not only from visible figures like Governor Cuomo and members of our state legislature, but also from our healthcare supply chain, including manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies, and hospitals. Pharmacies have drastically changed their operations in response to COIVD-19.
From online orders and curbside pick-up to at-home deliveries, pharmacies across the state are working to meet patients’ basic needs while keeping employees safe. Pharmacists are also using their medical expertise to treat patients suffering from minor medical conditions, helping to relieve the already overwhelmed healthcare system.
Moreover, pharmacists stand ready to use their full scope of practice to fight this deadly virus. Many New York pharmacies have already expressed their willingness and eagerness to administer tests such as finger pricks and swabs and administer vaccines when they become widely available. What has been authorized temporarily by an executive order should become permanent services offered at pharmacies.
But pharmacists can do more. One of the issues our patients face is the inability to see their doctor during these troubling times as many offices are simply not open. Accordingly, patients have been unable to get their prescriptions renewed, preventing pharmacists from dispensing urgently needed medications. New York State should grant pharmacists the power to extend prescriptions for long-standing patients to ensure they have access to medications necessary to maintain their health and wellness.
Likewise, while pharmacists have been authorized to fill existing monthly prescriptions for up to a 90-day supply, there simply is not enough capacity in the supply chain to meet that demand. While foreign manufacturers have proven to be a source of needed pharmaceuticals, we must remain ever vigilant that the drugs obtained overseas are manufactured to our stringent standards that ensure public safety.
Nothing would undermine confidence in our medical system more than people dying or suffering serious complications from tainted or counterfeit drugs.
Other parts of the healthcare supply chain are doing their part to try and keep up with medical demands. Pharmaceutical wholesalers have been behind-the-scenes preparing for and responding to New York’s surge in COVID-19 patients and need for medications.
The responsiveness of this system is a welcome source of solace for many hospitals, pharmacists, and patients in a time otherwise marked by distressing news.
As an elected leader and pharmacist, myself, I can attest that government officials and the healthcare supply chain alike are working tirelessly to give our frontline healthcare workers every possible resource to combat COVID-19, and our continued collaboration will play an important role in getting our communities healthy and running again.
We must embrace the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has presented as an opportunity to improve the delivery of medical care. Pharmacists stand ready to do their part, and New York State should grant them the ability to meet our patients’ needs.
John McDonald III is the Assemblyman for the 108th District of New York state, which consists of parts of Albany, Rensselaer and Saratoga counties.