Driving Resilient Supply Chains: Procurement Lessons From India's Pharma Sector

India's pharmaceutical industry has traditionally been known as the 'pharmacy of the world,' exporting cheap generics and vaccines to the world. However, over the last few years, a sequence of disruptions ranging from border shutdowns and raw material supply disruptions to geopolitical tensions and logistics congestion have put the endurance of pharma supply chains to the test. These setbacks have transformed procurement into a strategic function that aims not just at minimizing costs but also at managing risks, ensuring continuity, and long-term viability.

Challenges of Procurement in Uncertain Times

India's pharmaceutical supply chains are highly reliant on imported Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), especially from China, covering almost 70% of demand. Global transport disruptions, export restrictions, and price volatility tend to equate into value chain bottlenecks. The procurement leaders now have to steer through these uncertainties and provide