Strength of Sandoz Canada supply chain minimizes potential impact of Delpharm strike

Strength of Sandoz Canada supply chain minimizes potential impact of Delpharm strike

Sandoz Canada is known for having the most stable supply chain in the industry,*** which has allowed us to remain strong through situations such as the current strike at Delpharm.

***Based on data from the Weekly McKesson MCS Report.

First, we would like to reiterate that patients are at the heart of our decisions and our priority is to take all necessary steps to meet their needs.

About Sandoz Canada inventory levels

Our current inventory levels remain in good condition, including those in our distribution network and in hospitals. In fact, the injectables produced in Boucherville have an average safety stock of about 6 months. It should also be noted that less than 10 products out of 115 present a real risk of shortages, even if the strike continues for several weeks.

Proactive collaboration with clients, partners, governments and hospital networks

The pandemic, among other factors, has led us to implement an inventory approach in the last year that allows us to maintain higher levels of safety stock than in the past, in conjunction with the hospital networks. The federal government and the province of Quebec have even established reserves of injectable medicines in order to prevent backorders and supply issues in hospitals.

Proactive measures to mitigate the strike at Delpharm

From the moment we were notified of the strike at Delpharm, we contacted all of our stakeholders to let them know about the situation, and we are sharing updates on a regular basis. We have quickly put in place a series of measures and are working closely with Health Canada and the Drug Shortages Division, as well as key health ministries and provincial government agencies, to plan for alternative solutions in the event of backorders caused by a prolonged strike.

In conclusion

While we regret the shutdown at Delpharm, we are proud of the strength of our supply chain. We recognize the importance of our injectables to Canadian and Quebec hospitals and will continue to work proactively and transparently to enable hospital and community pharmacies to serve their patients.

Finally, I would like to personally thank all of our clients, pharmacists and government agencies for their essential and admirable collaboration through this difficult situation.

We hope for a favourable outcome of the labour dispute between Delpharm and its employees, and a quick return to production for the benefit of everyone, especially patients. We are Better Together,

Michel Robidoux
President and General Manager
Sandoz Canada