The medical industry is one of the most critical industries in the world. It is responsible for the health and well-being of billions of people. However, various issues often disrupt the supply chain that supports the medical industry.
This can lead to severe problems for healthcare providers and patients alike. In this blog post, we will look at how the medical industry is affected by supply chain issues.
We will also explore some potential solutions to these problems.
Supply Chain Demand in the Medical Industry
The medical industry relies heavily on a functioning and reliable supply chain network. Medical products must move quickly and safely from manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to physicians, pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare facilities.
Supply chain issues in the medical industry can cause patient safety risks, interrupt the flow of critical resources, interfere with deliveries, create extra costs for organizations, and create costly delays for patients unable to access needed treatments or supplies. The common factors driving supply chain issues are usually related to inventory control, demand planning, transportation management, and supplier performance. Medical organizations can reduce downtime and disruption caused by supply chain issues by tracking inventory data in real time and adapting logistics strategies to changing environments.
Products in High Demand in Recent Years
In the last couple of years, some of the most high-demand medical products included hand sanitizer, face masks, gowns, and gloves. Known as personal protection equipment (PPE), it was tough to meet the demand for these supplies at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. Thankfully, we have seen increased availability for these products in recent months.
Medical Supplies Healthcare Providers routinely use
Besides PPE, what other supplies are healthcare providers using regularly?
· Antiseptics
· Bandages
· Crutches
· Forceps
· Pharmaceutical Drugs
· Ultrasound Machines
· X-Ray Machines
· Wheelchairs
Medical Supplies Every Household Should Have On-Hand
Your at-home arsenal of medical supplies varies from what hospitals, clinics, and home-service healthcare providers need to have on hand. But it would be best if you still had the following in your first-aid kit:
· Antacids
· Antihistamines
· Bandages
· Burn Gel
· Cold Packs
· Iodine Pads
· Medical Grade Splint
· Medical Thermometer
· Pain Relief Medication (Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen)
· Saline
When there is a disruption in the supply chain, some of these items can become hard to source, as we’ve seen with the recent 2023 acetaminophen and ibuprofen shortages. However, this issue isn’t caused by a lack of product available; it stems from increased demand that wasn’t accurately forecasted.
Thankfully, if you can’t purchase some of these items outright, you can turn to trusted sources of rentals. For example, Guiding Light Senior Care provides services and products to seniors. Rentals are available for walkers, wheelchairs, and convenient over-bed tables.
What’s Causing Supply Shortages in the Medical Industry?
Specific factors sparked by the pandemic have led to supply shortages across numerous industries. For the medical industry, supply chain bottlenecks and disruptions are being caused by:
Labor Shortages
Many problems with sourcing materials and having adequate care in the medical industry stem from a lack of qualified and available workers. Due to illness, burnout, or other variables, people have left the medical field in droves since 2020. With fewer people working in the medical industry itself and in the industries that supply it with the necessary materials, everything else is negatively affected down the supply chain line.
Shortages of Raw Materials
Increased instances of illness have led to more demand for certain products, ingredients, and medical services. And with labor shortages in the industries that source materials needed for medicine and equipment, it’s increasingly difficult to meet demand.
Increased Cost of Raw Materials
Many companies have inflated their prices to stay afloat. As a result, the available materials cost more than other supplies such as PPE. This leaves medical providers such as hospitals and senior living facilities trying to figure out ways to cover increased expenses while not overinflating the cost of their services to patients.
Transportation Delays
Even if workers are available to transport products, not everyone is qualified to move all materials or equipment in the medical field. For example, a truck driver must have a hazmat endorsement license to drive oxygen tanks.
How Supply Chain Disruption Affects Doctors and Patients
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant supply chain disruption, creating challenges for doctors and patients alike. Disruptions to the supply of essential goods, such as medical supplies and equipment, have impacted the ability of healthcare providers to deliver patient care promptly.
Hospitals and other medical facilities also struggle with diminished resources as deliveries fail to arrive on time or are unavailable in sufficient quantity. Patient care can be adversely impacted when critical items are unavailable, leading to delays in treatment or even changes in the type of treatment provided due to restrictions on supplies. This can result in longer wait times for treatments and surgeries, cutting into doctor and hospital resources that could otherwise be dedicated to providing the best care possible.
For many patients, having access to adequate medical supplies is a life-saving matter; efforts must be made to protect the integrity of our global supply chain so that doctors can continue doing their jobs effectively. Unfortunately, we see the impact of supply chain disruptions for prescribed medications such as antibiotics and over-the-counter supplements and the cost of administering care.
What Businesses Are Doing to Pivot
Inventory management for many businesses has drastically changed in the last few years. Organizations use data and analytics to understand better their supply chain challenges and plan for future disruptions. This includes implementing new technology and systems, such as those offered by Sequoia Group, to track inventory in real time and develop strategies for improving supplier performance and optimizing delivery routes.
Additionally, healthcare organizations are investing in developing alternative sourcing options that can be used when regular suppliers experience shortages or delays. These efforts help ensure that patients have access to the necessary treatments and medications they require promptly. Finally, initiatives like stockpiling, diversifying sources, and increasing flexibility are being employed by medical facilities to increase their resilience against potential disruptions in the global supply chain.
