HDMA STATEMENT ON DRUG SHORTAGES

ARLINGTON, Va., September 23, 2011 – The following is a statement from HDMA President and CEO John M. Gray. He testified today at an Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing on the topic of drug shortages:

“Today’s hearing offered a valuable forum to continue the national dialogue on the important issue of drug shortages. The complex nature of drug shortages does not lend itself to simple, one-size fits all solutions. Effectively addressing this issue will require that we first understand the factors driving drug shortages followed by the identification of workable approaches to manage and lessen their impact. 

“Although distributors do not manufacture product, they do play a central role in the exchange and coordination of information when a shortage occurs. Effective and timely communication across the supply chain is critical to the successful management of drug shortages and, most importantly, minimizes their effect on patients.

“HDMA and its members, the nation’s primary distributors, are committed to continuing to work with the Congress, federal agencies and all stakeholders to safeguard America’s drug supply and to ensure the availability of safe and effective drugs.”

About HDMA
HDMA is the national association representing primary healthcare distributors, the vital link in the healthcare system. Each business day, HDMA member companies ensure that nearly nine million prescription medicines and healthcare products are delivered safely and efficiently to nearly 200,000 pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and others nationwide. HDMA and its members work daily to provide value and contain costs, saving the nation’s healthcare system an estimated $32 billion per year.