Between Vulnerability and Action: An Operational Vision of Pharmaceutical Resilience in Venezuela

Abstract

In contexts of high operational uncertainty, such as Venezuela, where logistical, regulatory, and operational disruptions directly affect the continuity of medicine supply, resilience in the pharmaceutical supply chain becomes a decisive factor in ensuring continuous access to medicines. This article presents a study based on two key strategies: the concept of the Minimum Viable Personnel (MVP), inspired by the Lean Startup methodology, and the implementation of the Reorder Point under a Just-in-Case (JIC) approach. Both strategies were validated through dynamic simulation using Arena Simulation software, based on real data collected from three Venezuelan pharmaceutical laboratories. The methodology combined qualitative analysis, drawn from semi-structured interviews with sector executives, and quantitative analysis through simulations of operational flows with and without the implementation of the proposed strategies. The results showed a 14% improvement in processed orders and a reduction of more than 65% in failures due to environmental conditions, attributable to better inventory planning and a more efficient allocation of personnel. The findings validate that, even with limited resources, the correct identification of critical roles and the anticipatory planning of replenishment significantly strengthen operational continuity. It is concluded that these strategies are applicable and scalable to similar environments and constitute a concrete foundation for future resilience policies in the Latin American pharmaceutical industry.