Civica Partners with Avera to Mitigate Drug Shortages
In a significant step towards ensuring consistent access to vital medications, Avera, a nonprofit healthcare provider, has aligned with Civica, an innovative nonprofit pharmaceutical company. Civica is committed to addressing the ongoing issue of drug shortages, particularly within the sphere of essential generic sterile injectable medicines. This partnership aims to safeguard patients and healthcare providers from the negative impacts associated with medication supply interruptions.
Civica's Unique Model Enhances Drug Security
Civica operates through a model that establishes direct contracts between hospitals and the organization, eliminating the intermediaries that can complicate medication supply chains. This direct approach allows member hospitals to select the medications that Civica will provide, ensuring they have access to critical drugs. Moreover, regardless of the hospital's size, Civica offers a uniform cost-plus pricing structure for products. This not only promotes fairness but also guarantees hospitals have a six-month buffer of inventory, ensuring that they can meet patient needs reliably.
The Ongoing Crisis of Drug Shortages
Drug shortages pose a continual challenge to healthcare systems in the United States. A report by the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists indicates that a wide array of medications, particularly critical sterile injectables, are routinely in short supply. A survey conducted by the American Hospital Association revealed that over 99% of health system pharmacists reported experiencing these shortages. Alarmingly, 85% of respondents rated the impact of shortages as either critically or moderately significant. These challenges often require hospitals to divert resources to locate and administer alternative drugs, ultimately affecting patient care.
Avera's Commitment to Patient Care
Thomas Johnson, Vice President of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services at Avera, emphasized the partnership's value, stating, "Civica helps us better serve our patients by providing the medicines they need at the point of care." This collaboration not only ensures stability in supply but also brings predictability in cost, allowing healthcare professionals to concentrate on their primary objective—caring for patients.
Civica's Growth and Offerings
Since its inception, Civica has expanded both its membership and its range of products. Today, it serves nearly sixty health systems, translating to approximately 1,400 hospitals utilizing its services. Civica alleviates concerns over shortages by providing over seventy necessary medications, including antibiotics and cardiovascular drugs, prioritized based on the needs identified by its member hospitals.
The Mission of Civica
Civica was created as a nonprofit organization to address the ongoing issue of drug shortages. Recognizing the persistent challenges faced by the healthcare system, a coalition of health systems and philanthropic organizations founded Civica with the belief that a new approach was essential. The goal is clear: to deliver a safe, stable, and affordable supply of necessary medications to patients throughout the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the partnership between Civica and Avera?
The partnership aims to address and prevent drug shortages, ensuring consistent availability of essential medications for patients.
How does Civica operate to stabilize drug supply?
Civica creates direct contracts with hospitals, allowing them to select medications and providing fair pricing without intermediaries.
Why are drug shortages a significant concern?
Drug shortages can severely impact patient care, forcing hospitals to invest additional resources into locating alternative medications.
What types of medications does Civica provide?
Civica offers over seventy medications, including antibiotics and cardiovascular drugs, particularly those at risk of shortage.
How many hospitals are currently part of Civica?
Approximately 1,400 hospitals are members of Civica, reflecting widespread support within the healthcare sector for its mission.
