Reliance Wholesale, Inc., is a pharmaceutical company that provides the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Health Centers with medications and pharmaceutical products unavailable through the contracted wholesaler Cardinal or the direct manufacturer of these products. The U.S. has been experiencing a rapidly increasing frequency of drug shortages in the past two decades, which have caused numerous difficulties for clinicians, health care facilities, patients, and federal regulators. Drug shortages are the most burdensome obstacle in providing optimal level of care in the healthcare industry from the medication management perspective. This problem has been intensified in past two years in face of a worldwide pandemic, creating yet a new level of challenge in healthcare. This is particularly important as this shortage affects the most vulnerable patient population affected by COVID-19 in the most critical environments of the hospital being ICU and emergency care settings with a specific “types” of critical medication not being immediately available nationwide.
Drug shortages are caused by many factors, including difficulties in acquiring raw materials, manufacturing problems, regulatory issues, and business decisions, as well as many other disturbances within the supply chain. They adversely affect patient care by causing substitution of safe and effective therapies with alternative treatments; compromising or delaying medical procedures; or causing medication errors. Drug shortages also significantly burden health care providers and health care facility finances and personnel.
At CCRMC, when clinically proven, the Pharmacy Dept. may substitute the shorted item with compatible alternatives. However, when this is not an option or clinically indicated, and in order to optimize the standard of care, obtaining the product via reputable resources such as Reliance are critical.
If this purchase order is not approved, the department will not be able to take care of its patient population at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Health Centers.