| Theme |
Contingency Plans for Dialysis Treatment |
| Title |
Improving disaster readiness of dialysis rooms and machine rooms and delivery of equipment and drugs : drugs |
| Author |
Junichi Takano |
Chugai Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd., Renal Disease Product Promotion Group, Renal Disease Area Medical Business & Science Department |
| [ Summary ] |
A major disaster may disrupt telecommunications and cause traffic congestion. Immediately after a disaster, drugs need to be supplied via regular delivery routes but disruption of distribution is unavoidable. The Japanese pharmaceutical industry has such a relief system that in the event of a major disaster the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare makes an emergency request to the Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers' Associations of Japan (FPMAJ) to organize and conduct a relief campaign, thereby letting its members perform their share of duty in providing drug and medical device aid to the disaster-stricken nation. In some cases, a wholesale cooperative or wholesaler may maintain an inventory of drugs for emergency use up to ordinary running stock levels if they have made an agreement with a local government. For dialysis treatment, the first priority is to build a sustainable system so that pharmaceuticals and equipment required for dialysis are stockpiled or ordered on an emergency basis. Once a disaster strikes, everyone concerned must work in a relationship of mutual cooperation and understanding. Accurate analysis of information is required to establish such a supply system. |