Managing Supply Chain Change

Pharmacy in the UK has seen - and will no doubt continue to see - considerable change: the supply chain is no exception.

Over many years, the traditional wholesale model has met successfully the needs of manufacturers, dispensing doctors, hospitals and community pharmacy and, ultimately, patients.

That success, and the strength of the UK's pharmaceutical supply chain, is due in part, because the supply chain has been able to adapt to change when necessary.

In recent years, the requirements of some manufacturers have changed in response to new challenges and circumstances as well as a growing desire to establish closer relationships with dispensing doctors, community pharmacy and hospitals. In addition, of course, not all manufacturers have the same distribution needs. As a result, some have implemented or are considering other distribution models and we now have a mixed economy of Direct to Pharmacy (DTP), traditional wholesaling and hybrid schemes co-existing in the supply chain.

When discussing change with those manufacturers AAH's role is two fold: to help them assess which model is right for them - wholesale or agency - and to ensure that any new models or distribution arrangement does not impair the service which pharmacy rightly expects to receive.

AAH has worked with manufacturers to strengthen their understanding of how pharmacy works in practice as well as the needs, concerns and expectations of pharmacy customers.

AAH will continue to use our influence to ensure that each proposed change builds on existing capacity, reach and customer relationships..   AAH's extensive branch network, which covers the whole of the UK, will help minimise disruption.

AAH will continue to work with manufacturers who want to develop a closer relationship with pharmacy to help identify potential opportunities and initiatives which could provide new benefits for pharmacy customers and the patients they serve.

At AAH our pipeline partnership ethos will continue to recognise and foster the critical value and function of each part of the supply chain from manufacturer through to pharmacies, dispensing practices and hospitals.

Our whole business philosophy is founded upon building mutually beneficial partnerships with our customers, in a way which adds value to yourselves and your patients.

This site will provide you with key information helping you to understand the supply agreements currently in place.  

If you require an account to be opened with AAH please contact our Customer Care team on 0844 561 8899.  If you are an existing AAH customer, your AAH Business Manager will help with any associated paperwork, processes, and will be able to handle any questions which you may have.

The links on the left hand side will give you further information on the current distribution models which AAH has with specific manufacturers.