Huixin Zhu’s scientific contributions

With the deepening implementation of the centralized drug procurement policy in China, procurement efficiency has significantly improved, and the economic burden of medication on the public has been alleviated. Meanwhile, the structure and operational environment of the pharmaceutical supply chain have undergone notable changes. This study analyzes the emerging pharmaceutical supply chain structures under the centralized procurement model, summarizes the causes of pharmaceutical supply chain vulnerability based on previous research, and employs a system dynamics causal model to examine the causal relationships and influence pathways among these factors. The study identifies the vulnerability drivers at key nodes, including active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) suppliers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, public healthcare institutions, and retail pharmacies. Finally, it proposes reasonable strategies for enterprises to address pharmaceutical supply chain vulnerability from both preventive and mitigating perspectives.