Title: Non-conventional medicines supply chain - utility and the need for alternatives as exposed by COVID-19 induced lockdown

Authors: Felistas Ranganai Zimano

Addresses: Department of Governance and Public Management, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe

Abstract: This qualitative study follows a root-cause investigation exposing COVID-19 induced national lockdowns' role in disrupting medication 'informal' supply chain. Although not widely documented, I submit that inter-city and intra-country buses are widely used non-conventional medicines' 'couriers' in Zimbabwe. Buses bridge medicine supply and accessibility gaps by taking deliveries throughout the country and beyond. This reduces supply-side induced medicine non-adherence which disturbs pharmacotherapy management of chronic ailments. Lived and observed narrations presented herein clarify this modus operandi. To reinforce medication 'courier' disruptions effects, literature findings illuminate consequences of induced non-adherence in chronic illness management which might outlive COVID-19 pandemic's direct effects. As a matter of urgency, help must be rendered to salvage what remains of affected patients' chances. In addition, a bottom-up proactive online based tool to ensure equitable nationwide medicines accessibility is recommended to ensure effective drug distribution and availability to those in need not merely those within reach.

Keywords: medicine supply chain; COVID-19; chronic illness management; medicines' non-adherence; digital health; healthcare delivery; pharmacotherapy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSCIM.2023.131549

International Journal of Supply Chain and Inventory Management, 2023 Vol.4 No.2, pp.165 - 174

Accepted: 09 Jun 2022
Published online: 19 Jun 2023 *