Restoring supply
The pharmaceutical industry fared relatively well through the pandemic but the sector has recently hit rockier ground. A supply chain shortage has come to light, leaving many patients struggling to access pain relief, oncology medication, antihistamines, hormone replacement therapy, anticlotting agents and other important drugs.
Pharma skill shortage
The UK pharmaceutical sector continues to fall short on job applicants with recent data showing a 41% decline in people applying for vacancies between May 2022 and June 2022, threatening the UK’s status as a global pharmaceuticals leader. That’s according to the latest data from the network of job boards, Broadbean Technology.
AI to improve healthcare
The application of artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential for dramatic improvements in patient healthcare. However, inaccurate AI-based predictions could just as easily lead to negative consequences.
Compostable packaging
Methane emissions from landfill are a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, and many governments worldwide, including in the UK, and the EU, are committing to the introduction of mandatory household food waste collections in a bid to curb this.
Supply chain drama
Reliable logistics are crucial for ensuring robust, cost effective and efficient supply chains. Over the last two years, however, several factors have wrought havoc on chemical supply chains. But for the resilience and adaptability of the people employed in the industry, there might have been chaos.
Critical element
There is a lot of talk about Critical Materials (or sometimes Minerals) – indeed the UK Government has just issued a strategy on the subject.1 The topic is not new, and there have been a number of reports on the topic over the last 20 years. As a chemist, I should probably start by correcting the use of language – we are mostly talking about elements here!
Agricultural robots
About 13% of global calories came out of production when Russian and Ukrainian borders shut down. The Russia-Ukraine war has put pressure on farmers globally to produce more crops to make up for a gap in supply left by the two countries. As prices of wheat, fuel and fertiliser rise, the total costs for farmers have been increasing.
Battery skills gap
Climate change and environmental degradation threaten the world. In response, the European Green Deal will transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy. Fossil fuels will be replaced by renewable energy – with batteries providing a vital storage tool.
Safer working
The active involvement of senior management in health and safety is very important. Managers need to be seen to lead by example,’ according to HSG 48, the UK regulator of health and safety. Put simply, senior managers have a tangible effect on the success or failure of safety initiatives.
US medicine use
While the primary healthcare focus in the US remains the Covid-19 pandemic, as we move through the third year of its disruptive effects and the death toll approaches 1m, other important dynamics are playing out.