Malaysian Technology Strategic Outlook

INDUSTRY VIEWS:

MEDICINE SECURITY: LESSONS FROM THE PHARMACEUTICAL SECTOR DURING CRISES

Malaysian Organisation of Pharmaceutical Industries (MOPI)

Introduction

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought numerous challenges and vulnerabilities in various industries worldwide. COVID-19 is not the first time the world has experienced a pandemic crisis. Previously, the world has dealt with a series of pandemics since the devastating Spanish Flu outbreak in 1918. Over time, there has been a noticeable increase in pandemic outbreaks, leading to significant global health crises. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the unpreparedness of some parts of the world, even in countries expected to have strong readiness. Global supply chain breakdowns, lack of trust, coordination challenges, and other factors emerged, posing significant hurdles. One of the critical sectors that faced significant pressure was the pharmaceutical industry. As we all know, the crucial role of the local pharmaceutical manufacturing industry is to ensure a stable supply of medicines. For Malaysia, the availability of our local industry provided several advantages, including a consistent supply of essential medicines, reduced dependency on imports, and the ability to maintain stock levels in times of crisis.

Pandemic Outbreaks

Elkhatib, et al., 2022

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Malaysian Technology Strategic Outlook 2023/2024 Energy, Healthcare & Space Industry

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