Role of Technology in the Performance Measure of Insulin Cold Chains

Abstract

The pharmaceutical industry sees a great deal of demand for insulin, a vital medication. It is essential to optimize the supply chain for insulin to ensure patients have access to the medication they need and that provider or supplier costs are manageable. The insulin supply chain (ISC) can be made more efficient and effective so that patients can get timely access to this lifesaving medication. This study used semi-structured interviews of seven participants from the pharmaceutical field in Doha, Qatar, to examine the issue of making the ISC more effective and reducing the presence of counterfeit drugs. This study developed four themes. These were: Limitations related to the transportation of insulin affecting their use, 2) methods for ensuring the effectiveness of the supply chain, 3) the role of advanced traceability methods adoption in ensuring the effectiveness of transportation of insulin, and 4) RFID in ensuring the appropriate transportation of insulin in a supply chain. The participants said that Radio frequency identification (RFID) in the insulin cold chain increased its effectiveness.