Research highlights global healthcare supply chain improvements

Working on behalf of PATH – a non-profit organisation that seeks solutions to global health issues – and the World Health Organisation (WHO), Bisham assessed and compared the status of current health logistics models with those operating within the food supply chain.

"Vaccine distribution has traditionally been successful using ambient stable product," says Derek Bell, managing director of Bisham. "However, many new vaccines require frozen or chilled temperature controlled supply chains which brings a new set of challenges – particularly in poor countries."

Bisham’s report highlights the difficulties of establishing sophisticated temperature-controlled supply chains in territories where the roads and utilities infrastructure as well as the standards of education, operating procedures and training fall short of the levels in the developed world.

The report concluded that, in the developing world, individual government health ministries have a key role to play in the evolution of the healthcare supply chain – but they need considerable advice, practical help and resources.

While local 3PLs will be important, they need the expertise, training and capital support from global 3PLs and large drug companies if they are to maximise their impact.

"Our research showed that many of the problems facing the cold chain distribution of healthcare products can be addressed by collaboration between the drugs suppliers and other movers of cold chain products, e.g. by expanding established existing cold chains that may be in place to supply embassies and the tourism industry within a country," says Derek Bell.