Lebanon, N.H.-based Dartmouth Health has stayed ahead of the cancer drug shortages thanks in part to its supply chain strategy, officials told The Keene Sentinel July 8.
The latest update of the hospital's drug specialty panel in early June showed the system has a two- to four-week supply of drugs including cisplatin and carboplatin, Gary Schwartz, MD, a medical oncologist, told the Sentinel. Although he's not sure exactly what has prevented the system's shortage, he said that suppliers are still shipping them drugs, and the system's ability to purchase in larger quantities may contribute.
Audra Burns, a system spokesperson, also noted that minimizing the impact of supply chain disruptions is one of the system's strategic priorities.
"We have a team dedicated to planning and responding to shortages, which has helped in navigating this challenging situation that has put a strain on health care organizations across the country," she said in an emailed statement to the Sentinel.
Dartmouth Health officials said it's unlikely they will experience shortages, but they already have a plan in place for how to prioritize care if it did occur.
"We're optimistic that we'll ride out this shortage again," Dr. Schwartz said.