LOGISTICS AND MANAGEMENT OF MEDICAL SUPPLIES CHAINS IN MILITARY DEPARTMENTS

The management of supplies in the military has drawn on supply chain practices adopted from the commercial sector. Supply chains relate to the network of entities that are interdependent and that directly or indirectly serve the final consumer. Although the utilization of supply chains have been shown to increase efficiency and assist in cutting costs in the commercial sector, the complexity of logistics in the military environment cannot always be paralleled to those of the business environment. Furthermore, in the military, similarly to in the hospital environment, medical supplies must be available, whenever they are needed, to prevent the endangering of lives. While several studies have examined the outcomes of the management of medical supplies in hospitals and healthcare organizations worldwide, limited research has been published that addresses the management of medical supplies in the unique medical environment within the military. Alongside an outline of the challenges faced in managing medical supplies, the article presents some of the systems used for supply chain management in the military across the globe. Ensuring the procurement of sufficient medical supplies and their delivery to the point of consumption is critical in providing vital healthcare services for all men and women serving in the military.