China is becoming one of the largest pharmaceutical markets in the world, but the supply chains that serve the industry remain complex and inefficient, according to a study released by CAPS Research. Problems include lack of nationwide, large-scale distribution networks; industry fragmentation and too many small pharmaceutical manufacturers; lack of supply chain integration; poor IT systems; and irregular activities. It is expected that the new healthcare reform plan announced last year will offer both opportunities and challenges, and will have a tremendous impact throughout China's pharmaceutical supply chain.
The study is based on visits and interviews with 18 Chinese pharmaceutical companies. The interviews focused on production, quality control, research and development, outsourcing, exportation, the foreign investment environment, and the new healthcare reform plan in China.
