An effective health system comprises many components, including a well-functioning supply chain; the availability of quality and affordable health commodities at the facility is a key outcome of the logistics system ensuring that the patient receives the services they need. Significant budgetary resources are allocated for providing public health commodities in developing countries while many supply chains are managed ad-hoc and performance is insufficient. Efforts are needed to strengthen international and in-country supply chains and to establish sustainable and integrated logistics systems that are robust enough to respond to dynamics and challenges in the health sector. Key to building sustainable supply systems is recognition of and investments in human resources and the necessary management structures required to effectively and efficiently manage these systems.
The course covers introductory level supply chain management, presenting basic principles of supply and support structures and functions, with a specific focus on problems related to global health. The course engages participants in the analysis of case studies that describe efforts to improve commodities supply chains and healthcare delivery in resource-poor settings. Discussion of these cases will illuminate principles and frameworks for the design and management of efficient and effective supply chains of healthcare commodities. The course will address the basics of the supply cycle as a prerequisite for access to medicines, the use of medicines, quality assurance and accountability, all embedded in a health system perspective.
Course Content:
- Global health supply chain fundamentals
- Supply chain as a prerequisite to improving access to health commodities and healthcare
- Principles and elements of the supply chain cycle
- Managerial challenges in supply chain activities
- Discussion of case studies including challenges and potential managerial approaches
- Delivery and use of health care commodities
- The role of human resources
- Quality assurance, monitoring, accountability and good governance in supply chain management