On the Complexities of Children’s Hospital Supply Chain Operations

According to a UNICEF report, published in late 2023, “Many countries face a myriad of challenges in their supply chain systems including limited data visibility, financing challenges, fragmented procurement processes, and limited warehousing, storage and distribution challenges. These are further compounded by an inadequately staffed and skilled supply chain workforce. These bottlenecks limit the availability of products, trigger service interruptions and undermine the safety of recipient communities, particularly hard-to-reach populations. For example, in 2021, five million children globally missed out on basic vaccines, 13.6 million children under the age of 5 suffered from severe wasting, and 698 million lacked basic sanitation services at school.”

Although this data is not strictly hospital related, it is indeed troubling. And these statistics inspired me to write this month’s cover story in challenges in children’s hospital supply chain operations (see page 8).

Children’s hospital supply chain leaders face many challenges due to the unique nature of pediatric care. From specialized medical supplies and equipment and inventory management complexities to supply chain disruptions that are expected to continue for the foreseeable future, supply chain professionals have their work cut out for them—to say the least.

Yet, due to the unwavering dedication of these professionals, there is hope, particularly through strong relationships with facilities group purchasing organizations and vendors.

Cory Turner, CMRP, senior director, Healthcare Strategy, Tecsys, who was featured in the article, noted, “A key element in handling these complexities is strong communication with vendors. For any hospital, the key is adopting the right blend of self-distribution, safety stock and just-in-time inventory management. With pediatric hospitals, solving for that just-in-time component only works if the supply chain leaders and vendors are in sync, sharing information on consumption trends and understanding the unique demands of the pediatric population.”

He added, “From a supplier's side, it’s not just about fulfilling orders; they need to understand the seasonal variations and consumption patterns unique to pediatric care. Strong data visibility is crucial here, allowing both hospitals and suppliers to forecast demand accurately and avoid disruptions.”

If you have a story about protecting vulnerable populations, like pediatrics, reach out to me at [email protected]. In 2025 and beyond, I’d like to feature more real-world stories overcoming challenges with innovation and compassion for those who need it most.