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The Modernization of Hospital Pharmacy Purchasing: Trends and Solutions

In the face of rising operational costs and persistent drug shortages, hospital pharmacy departments are at a critical juncture. According to the latest report from Bluesight, titled 2025 Hospital Pharmacy Drug Purchasing Trends Report, the landscape of pharmacy purchasing is transforming as technology becomes integral to operational efficiency and cost management.

Cost Management and Procurement Strategies

The report indicates that although drug costs are projected to increase by 4% in 2025, 77% of pharmacy teams are prioritizing strategies to minimize drug expenditures. This proactive approach highlights the focus on financial responsibility, even as hospitals navigate an increasingly complex drug supply landscape. Many institutions rely on a limited number of suppliers — between four to six — but notably, about one-third of hospitals manage relationships with twelve or more suppliers, complicating their supply chain dynamics.

To mitigate these challenges, pharmacy teams are turning to drug purchasing optimization software solutions. For instance, nearly 500 hospitals utilizing CostCheck, Bluesight's procurement optimization tool, reported savings exceeding $100 million through various initiatives, including recommended National Drug Code (NDC) revisions and automated contract management. These savings are crucial as drug shortages, costing hospitals approximately $900 million annually in labor costs, remain a pressing issue.

Addressing Drug Shortages with Innovation

Drug shortages are consistently listed as a primary concern for pharmacy departments, as reflected in the Hospital Pharmacy Operations Report (HPOR), where 75% of participants identified them as a top challenge. The introduction of predictive analytics software, like ShortageCheck, has proven crucial, enabling health systems to anticipate shortages up to 90 days earlier than conventional methods. Such technology allowed for the prediction of an Acetaminophen shortage 64 days in advance of its official announcement, enabling timely interventions and strategic planning.

By leveraging technology, pharmacy departments are not only working to contain costs but are also positioning themselves to ensure a steady supply of essential medications in the face of disruption.

Leading Through Financial Pressures

Amidst the ongoing financial strain, pharmacy departments are being called upon to lead initiatives aimed at cost containment and bolstering supply chain resilience. Kevin MacDonald, CEO and co-founder of Bluesight, states, "Pharmacy departments are on the front lines of the financial pressures facing health systems. This report demonstrates how pharmacy teams are turning to automation, analytics, and integrated purchasing tools to bring costs down while maintaining continuity of care and achieving better outcomes under intense constraints."

As hospitals confront unprecedented challenges, it is clear that the integration of technology into pharmacy operations is not merely a trend but a necessity. The strategies outlined in the 2025 Hospital Pharmacy Drug Purchasing Trends Report highlight the importance of innovative solutions in overcoming hurdles that threaten the ability to provide care.

For those interested in exploring the full findings and strategies outlined in the report, visit Bluesight's website to learn more about their suite of procurement optimization solutions that aim to reshape the future of hospital pharmacy purchasing.

Conclusion

The future of hospital pharmacy purchasing is being shaped by the adoption of innovative technologies that enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs. As hospitals continue to grapple with rising drug prices and unpredictable supply shortages, the insights from Bluesight's report underscore a critical pathway forward, emphasizing the role of pharmacy departments as leaders in operational resilience. By embracing automation and analytics, these departments can ensure that they not only survive but thrive, ultimately benefiting the patients they serve.