Assessments of the quality systems of pharmaceutical distributors: a remote approach to be applied in times of COVID-19 and beyond.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Adequate quality systems throughout pharmaceutical supply chains are crucial to protect individuals and communities from substandard and falsified medical products. Thus, pharmaceutical distributors are regularly assessed by qualified experts. Since the COVID-19 pandemic has forced a suspension of normal activities, remote assessments via videoconferencing may represent a temporary alternative to on-site audits. We exploratorily evaluated the feasibility of remote assessments of pharmaceutical distributors, located in a low- or middle-income country hard-to reach during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We conducted pilot remote assessments of four conveniently selected distributors. The expert was remotely connected via videoconference, and supported by an in-countr

SUBMITTER: Bourasseau A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8107414 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature