Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Background Medication waste represents a critical challenge to healthcare systems globally, leading to significant financial losses estimated at billions annually. In Saudi Arabia, the National Unified Procurement Company (NUPCO) has implemented the "Sharek" platform to facilitate the redistribution of surplus medications among healthcare facilities. Objectives This study aims to: (1) Analyze the quantitative impact of the "Sharek" platform on reducing medication waste, and (2) Examine the roles of pharmacists and inventory management systems in preventing stock accumulation and expiration. Methods A document analysis of medication transfer records through the NUPCO "Sharek" platform was conducted for the period 2023–2024. Data from 30 transfer transactions involving various healthcare sectors were analyzed to quantify waste prevention. Results The "Sharek" platform successfully facilitated the redistribution of 37,466 medication units that were at risk of expiration. A comparative analysis shows a significant reduction in potential medication waste following platform implementation. Conclusions Centralized redistribution platforms like "Sharek" demonstrate substantial effectiveness in mitigating medication waste. Pharmacists and improved inventory management play crucial roles in identifying surplus stock early and facilitating timely redistribution. These findings support the expansion of such collaborative models across healthcare sectors.</p>