(Arlington, VA, Thursday, December 10, 2020) – Distributors are the backbone of the healthcare supply chain, connecting 180,000 healthcare providers and pharmacies with 1,400 drug manufacturers across the country.
In collaboration with partners across the supply chain, distributors make sure patients have the medicines and healthcare products they need.
During COVID-19, distributors are rising to the challenge, supporting their supply chain partners and doing everything possible to ensure continuous operations in the healthcare system during this unique and uncertain time for many Americans.
The federal government’s decision to leverage the expertise of the Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) members to distribute COVID-19 vaccines upon approval is a critical first step in ensuring these breakthrough medicines will be distributed safely and efficiently to point-of-care sites across the country. The decision reaffirms the importance of public-private collaboration and the critical role it has played, and will continue to play, in our nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Distributors have the infrastructure and relationships to deliver medicines and healthcare products across the country — from large cities to rural communities. They have experience distributing specialty products, safely and securely, and possess unique storage and transportation capabilities. Distributors regularly work with manufacturers to help bring new treatments and cures to market, and they already deliver a range of vaccines from the seasonal flu to more complex immunizations.
Distributors have experience working with federal, state and local governments during public health emergencies.
The Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) is the national organization representing primary pharmaceutical distributors — the vital link between the nation’s pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and others nationwide.