Why Supplier Compliance and Audit Management Is Non-Negotiable in Global Healthcare Supply Chains
In today’s interconnected world, pharmaceutical and medical device companies depend on a complex web of suppliers that span continents. This global expansion unlocks access to specialized materials, niche manufacturing expertise, and operational efficiencies, but it also introduces heightened regulatory obligations and oversight risks. Regulators no longer tolerate weak supplier control as a siloed or back-office task. Rather, global oversight of supplier compliance and audit processes has become central to quality systems governance, an essential strategy that protects product quality, safeguards patient safety, and maintains market access. Regulatory Imperatives: Oversight Without Delegation Across major quality frameworks from ICH Q10 to EU GMP, ISO standards, and the U.S. FDA’s GMP requirements, the responsibility for supplier performance lies squarely with the product owner. Authorities are clear: manufacturers cannot outsource accountability. Inadequate supplier control fre...