The global issue of drug shortage is becoming a serious challenge, affecting healthcare systems everywhere—from major European hospitals to small clinics in low-income areas. These shortages often lead to delayed treatments, surgery cancellations, and limited patient care. Healthcare providers are forced to make tough choices, which can have a major impact on both health and the economy. There are many reasons behind these shortages: problems in manufacturing, fragile supply chains, and strict regulations. No single organization can solve this alone. That’s why strategic partnerships are so important. When governments, manufacturers, and expert companies like Inthera work together, they help fix the weak links in the system. With strong networks in the European Union and a focus on fast action, these collaborations bring stability to the market. In a world where medicine access should be guaranteed, partnerships like these are not just helpful—they are essential.
What causes drug shortage?
The most common cause is manufacturing issues. A single quality problem—such as contaminated ingredients—can stop production for months. Shortages of raw materials, trade restrictions, or political conflict can also disrupt supply.
But technical problems aren’t the only reason. Sometimes, manufacturers stop producing low-profit drugs, which leaves hospitals without key treatments. On top of that, slow regulatory processes can delay the approval of new suppliers.
The impact of drug shortages
The consequences are serious. Patients may receive less effective alternatives or experience delays that worsen their condition. For example, cancer patients might not get the best possible medicine on time. At the same time, healthcare providers face rising costs as they’re forced to pay more for limited supplies or search for alternative solutions. Hospitals can lose trust, and governments may face public criticism.
The situation is even harder in low- and middle-income countries. While wealthier countries struggle with complex systems and strict standards, other regions face power outages, smuggling, and fake medicines. This means solutions must be customized—what works in one country might not work in another.
Understanding these layers helps us see why the problem continues—and why collaboration is the way forward.
Strategic partnership models
Solving medicine shortages requires teamwork. Here are four types of strategic partnerships that are making a difference:
Public-private partnerships
When governments work with private companies, they can solve big problems faster—like clearing supply chain blocks or handling sudden increases in demand. This helps hospitals get vital treatments on time.
Inter-industry collaborations
Pharmaceutical companies now share data and resources. This early-warning system helps prevent shortages by tracking risks, coordinating orders, and sharing stock. As a result, both big hospitals and rural clinics get equal access to essential medicines.
International cooperation
No country can fight this alone. Group efforts like the EU’s joint purchasing programs help countries get better deals and a more reliable supply.
Academic-industry partnerships
When universities and companies team up, they find smart solutions—like reducing dependence on single suppliers or improving storage. They also train future experts to prevent shortages before they happen.
Together, these partnership models don’t just respond to problems—they help stop them from happening in the first place.
Inthera – A trusted partner in addressing medicine shortages
Tackling medicine shortages takes more than a quick fix—it takes the right partner. Inthera is proud to be that professional partner across Europe. We connect healthcare providers with trusted EU manufacturers, helping ensure access to high-quality medicine even during critical shortages.
By streamlining information flow and coordinating fast, reliable deliveries, we help protect patient care when it matters most. With Inthera, you get more than a supplier—you gain a dependable partner committed to making healthcare work, even in challenging