Healthcare Supply Chains

Historically, healthcare supply chains have commonly been associated with the procurement and logistics of healthcare supplies and services. However, recent developments in healthcare render this understanding too narrow. This chapter broadens the definition of supply chains in healthcare ecosystems by using concepts from traditional supply chains and supply chain management. The chapter groups healthcare supply chains into four main categories: health services, pharmaceutical, special health services, and health humanitarian supply chains. Next, the chapter discusses the key strategies, challenges, and risks as well as the existing research for these categories. The chapter concludes with a short discussion on future research.