By Sola Ogundipe

The pharmaceutical industry is grappling with persistent challenges in supply chain efficiency, affecting patient access to essential medications. Zainab Nimma Sani, a pharmacist with extensive experience in sales and strategy, is among those advocating for a data-driven approach to solving these issues.

With a Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of Jos, a master’s in health economics from Bayero University, and over seven years of experience in pharmaceutical sales and strategy, she is now pursuing an MBA at Michigan State University’s Broad College of Business, focusing on supply chain management. She is exploring how artificial intelligence and operational strategies can enhance drug distribution systems.

Having worked extensively in pharmaceutical sales, including a role at Novartis where she managed key accounts in Northern Nigeria, Zainab witnessed firsthand how inefficiencies in the supply chain directly impacted patient access to life-saving medications. Stockouts and delivery delays were frequent challenges that hindered the timely distribution of drugs. Recognizing the critical role of supply chain optimization, she decided to pivot towards supply chain management, aiming to bridge the gap between pharmacy expertise and operational efficiency.

Zainab’s experience in sales provided her with valuable insights into customer needs, from healthcare providers to patients.

At Novartis, she spearheaded the launch of novel cardio-renal drugs, contributing to a 55% increase in company revenue in 2021, a feat that earned her a global award. Her background in community pharmacy practice further honed her skills in inventory management and demand forecasting, allowing her to reduce costs and streamline operations. These experiences now inform her approach to designing efficient pharmaceutical supply chains that prioritize patient needs.

Technology and artificial intelligence, Zainab believes, will revolutionize pharmaceutical logistics. Drawing on her technical proficiency in tools such as MS Project, Excel, Tableau, and Salesforce, she has already demonstrated the impact of data-driven decision-making. During a recent internship, she optimized customer relationship management (CRM) processes, enhancing user engagement by over 85%. She envisions AI-driven systems that can predict demand with precision, optimize delivery routes in real time, and preempt disruptions caused by economic or environmental factors. This proactive approach could significantly improve drug accessibility, especially in regions where political and logistical challenges pose barriers to distribution.

One of the most pressing issues she seeks to address is the affordability and accessibility of medications. Her work in Nigeria led to the enrollment of new drug molecules into the National Health Service, making them more affordable, yet distribution inefficiencies still left patients waiting. By implementing AI-driven inventory management and pricing analytics, she aims to create more equitable distribution systems that ensure medications reach patients when and where they are needed.

Looking ahead, Zainab aspires to lead supply chain strategy for a global pharmaceutical company, where she can integrate AI-driven solutions to reduce costs, minimize waste, and improve patient outcomes. Her journey from pharmacy to sales to supply chain management is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary expertise in solving complex industry challenges.

For professionals looking to bridge the gap between pharmacy and technology, she recommends a pragmatic approach. “It is not just about mastering AI tools; it is about understanding the constraints of the systems you are working within,” she advises. She emphasizes that innovation must go hand in hand with policy and infrastructure improvements.

Zainab’s perspective highlights both the potential and the limitations of technology in addressing pharmaceutical supply chain challenges. While AI and data-driven solutions offer promise, sustainable change will require a broader commitment from industry stakeholders, governments, and healthcare providers to build resilient and efficient supply networks.




https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/from-pharmacy-to-supply-chain-zainab-sanis-vision-for-pharma-innovation/