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Current Situation, Determinants, and Solutions to Drug Shortages in Shaanxi Province, China: A Qualitative Study

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  • Caijun Yang
  • Lina Wu
  • Wenfang Cai
  • Wenwen Zhu
  • Qian Shen
  • Zongjie Li
  • Yu Fang

Abstract

Objective: Drug shortages were a complex global problem. The aim of this study was to analyze, characterize, and assess the drug shortages, and identify possible solutions in Shaanxi Province, western China. Methods: A qualitative methodological approach was conducted during May–June 2015 and December 2015–January 2016. Semi-structured interviews were performed to gather information from representatives of hospital pharmacists, wholesalers, pharmaceutical producers, and local health authorities. Results: Thirty participants took part in the study. Eight traditional Chinese medicines and 87 types of biologicals and chemicals were reported to be in short supply. Most were essential medicines. Five main determinants of drug shortages were detected: too low prices, too low market demands, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) issues, materials issues, and approval issues for imported drugs. Five different solutions were proposed by the participants: 1) let the market decide the drug price; 2) establish an information platform; 3) establish a reserve system; 4) enhance the communication among the three parties in the supply chain; and 5) improve hospital inventory management. Conclusions: Western China was currently experiencing a serious drug shortage. Numerous reasons for the shortage were identified. Most drug shortages in China were currently because of “too low prices.” To solve this problem, all of the stakeholders, especially the government, needed to participate in managing the drug shortages.

Suggested Citation

  • Caijun Yang & Lina Wu & Wenfang Cai & Wenwen Zhu & Qian Shen & Zongjie Li & Yu Fang, 2016. "Current Situation, Determinants, and Solutions to Drug Shortages in Shaanxi Province, China: A Qualitative Study," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(10), pages 1-16, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0165183
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165183
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Xiaojie Yang & Li Liu & Yi Zheng & Xue Yang & Shanlin Sun, 2022. "Pricing Problems in the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain with Mixed Channel: A Power Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-20, June.
    2. Sundus Shukar & Fatima Zahoor & Sumaira Omer & Sundas Ejaz Awan & Caijun Yang & Yu Fang, 2022. "Experience of Pharmacists with Anti-Cancer Medicine Shortages in Pakistan: Results of a Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-12, December.
    3. Jun Li & Di (Andrew) Wu, 2022. "The Price Effect of Drug Price Ceilings: Intended and Unintended Consequences," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 68(8), pages 5758-5777, August.
    4. Asaeli Raikabakaba & Masoud Mohammadnezhad & Ledua Tamani & Devina Gaundan, 2022. "Drug Shortages and Its Effects on Service Delivery among Key Informants (KIs) in Fiji," Global Journal of Health Science, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 14(5), pages 1-1, May.
    5. Caijun Yang & Wenfang Cai & Zongjie Li & Amy Theresa Page & Yu Fang, 2018. "The current status and effects of emergency drug shortages in China: Perceptions of emergency department physicians," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(10), pages 1-14, October.
    6. Said, André & Goebel, Ralf & Ganso, Matthias & Zagermann-Muncke, Petra & Schulz, Martin, 2018. "Drug shortages may compromise patient safety: Results of a survey of the reference pharmacies of the Drug Commission of German Pharmacists," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 122(12), pages 1302-1309.
    7. András Fittler & Róbert György Vida & Valter Rádics & Lajos Botz, 2018. "A challenge for healthcare but just another opportunity for illegitimate online sellers: Dubious market of shortage oncology drugs," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(8), pages 1-17, August.
    8. Chen, Xu & Yang, Huan & Wang, Xiaojun, 2019. "Effects of price cap regulation on the pharmaceutical supply chain," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 281-290.
    9. Yulei Zhu & Yuqin Ren & Hui Wang & Wenqing Fang & Xinglu Xu & Ying Wang & Huizhen Dai & Xin Li, 2022. "The impact of policy on availability and price of low‐price medicines in public healthcare institutions: A retrospective survey in Nanjing, China," International Journal of Health Planning and Management, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 37(2), pages 1118-1130, March.

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