Pharmaceutical Supply Chain from the Consumer's Perspectives: Awareness, Delays and Accessibility

Abstract: Supply chain management plays a vital role in every business. But in the pharmaceutical supply chain, it is crucial as it supplies medicines as fast as possible. This study aims to identify consumers’ perception of the pharmaceutical supply chain. This study has been conducted in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra state. A total of 100 respondents were selected from various age groups, occupations, and rural and urban areas. In this study, three dimensions were studied. First is consumer awareness, the second is best practices of PSC, and the third is the impact of digitization on PSC. The main findings of the study include that a very low percentage of people in Marathwada were aware of the pharmaceutical supply chain, and most of the respondents were satisfied with the working of PCM. It is found that PSC was working efficiently; it adheres to guidelines, automation and digitization have made the supply faster, minimal transportation, low risk, PSC improved accessibility, and minimized frauds and delays. This study has some limitations of geographical area and sample size; however, it can be a strong foundation for further study. The insights of the study are helpful to researchers, academicians, businesspersons, and the general public who want to know about pharmaceutical supply chains