The CEO of ADIFA, Nuno Flora, stated that the pharmaceutical distribution infrastructure, particularly warehouses, is equipped with generators to ensure operations continue in the event of power outages.
“The distribution of medications is completely normalized. I must mention that yesterday [Monday], our operations never stopped. We were able to maintain continuous operations throughout the entire day,” he emphasized.
Flora noted that distributors had already prepared for crisis situations, learning from past experiences such as the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the hazardous materials drivers’ strike in 2019.
“We managed to maintain operations from both the warehouse and transportation standpoints. The main issue was communication. It was an unusual day because we couldn’t receive the usual orders from our clients, especially pharmacies, due to many communication problems,” he remarked.
He stressed that “pharmaceutical distributors implemented their contingency and business continuity plans and the operations proceeded without significant issues, ensuring distribution continued across the entire national territory” on Monday.
Nuno Flora indicated that distributors are equipped to “continue operations using alternative sources” for a few days, depending on “each warehouse.”
“I would say, without any measures, five, six days, a week of activity continuation is feasible. If operations were drastically affected, other measures would have to be employed, and normal services would need to be reduced. Yesterday [Monday] we maintained normal daily operations with two daily deliveries to pharmacies. They were restocked by the end of the day just like on a normal day,” he explained.
Regarding potentially damaged medications, Flora noted that “there was no disruption” because “as soon as the power cut occurred, the generators associated with the logistic platforms immediately activated.”
The ADIFA CEO added that “better coordination” is required among all parties and governmental investment, “to ensure operational continuity is not hindered by communication issues or restricted traffic conditions.”
“We must continue working towards enhancing these emergency response mechanisms,” he highlighted.
In a statement released today, ADIFA reiterated the crucial importance of recognizing pharmaceutical distribution as critical infrastructure to ensure rapid, safe, and continuous access to essential medications during emergencies.
A widespread power outage affected Portugal and Spain on Monday from 11:30 onwards, with no explanation yet provided by the authorities.
Consequences of the blackout included closed airports, transportation and traffic congestion in major cities, and fuel shortages.
The electricity distribution network operator E-Redes confirmed this morning that services have been fully restored and normalized.
