Difficulties Faced By Pharmaceutical Industries Associated With COVID-19 Pandemic in Obtaining Raw Materials for Production of Certain Drugs in Sudan in 2021

Abstract

Background Pharmaceuticals industries play a significant role in health care, especially in developing countries and under-devolving countries since it produced more affordable medications. Many factors contributed to ensure continuous production flow, the key factor is the availability of raw material. After COVID-19 outbreak scarcity in raw material became a major obstacle in drug production. The goal of this study is to identify barriers faced by pharmaceuticals industries in Sudan in acquiring raw materials due to COVID-19 pandemic.  Method An analytical, qualitative structured focus group discussion (FGD) was performed with major factories in Khartoum, Sudan. To address issues regarding obstacles faced by this factories during COVID-19 pandemic. Result All participants’ encountered problems because of the pandemic such as fuel shortage, difficulty in transportation, economic instability but the biggest issue was the closure of international borders that resulted in insufficient raw materials and other essential chemicals needed in production.  Conclusion overall COVID-19 had a marked impact in drug manufacturing in Sudan which is reflected in the availability of drugs locally.