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Developing an Integrated Supply Chain Management Model for Reducing Stockouts in Essential Medicines Distribution
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Supply Chain Integration
Abstract
Essential medicines are critical to ensuring public health outcomes, yet their availability remains a persistent challenge in many low- and middle-income countries. Stockouts of life-saving medications frequently undermine health service delivery, particularly in resource-constrained settings. This study presents a conceptual model for an integrated supply chain management (SCM) approach aimed at minimizing stockouts in essential medicines distribution. Drawing upon empirical evidence and theory from supply chain integration, inventory optimization, and public health systems, the proposed model synthesizes procurement, warehousing, logistics, and information systems into a cohesive framework. The study incorporates data from national health logistics systems and qualitative insights from key stakeholders in selected countries across Sub-Saharan Africa. Results demonstrate that stockout reduction correlates strongly with the degree of digital integration, transparency, and agility across the supply chain. Recommendations include investment in eLMIS infrastructure, real-time demand forecasting, capacity-building initiatives, and regional harmonization of procurement protocols. The findings contribute to advancing universal health coverage by proposing actionable strategies for resilient pharmaceutical logistics.
Keywords
Essential Medicines, Stockout Prevention, Supply Chain Integration, Public Health Logistics, Sub-Saharan Africa, eLMIS
How to cite this paper
@article{1709390,
author = {Michael Aduojo Amuta, Muridzo Muonde, Ashiata Yetunde Mustapha, Akachukwu Obianuju Mbata},
title = {Developing an Integrated Supply Chain Management Model for Reducing Stockouts in Essential Medicines Distribution},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2020},
volume = {3},
number = {12},
pages = {350-367},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1709390.pdf},
abstract = {Essential medicines are critical to ensuring public health outcomes, yet their availability remains a persistent challenge in many low- and middle-income countries. Stockouts of life-saving medications frequently undermine health service delivery, particularly in resource-constrained settings. This study presents a conceptual model for an integrated supply chain management (SCM) approach aimed at minimizing stockouts in essential medicines distribution. Drawing upon empirical evidence and theory from supply chain integration, inventory optimization, and public health systems, the proposed model synthesizes procurement, warehousing, logistics, and information systems into a cohesive framework. The study incorporates data from national health logistics systems and qualitative insights from key stakeholders in selected countries across Sub-Saharan Africa. Results demonstrate that stockout reduction correlates strongly with the degree of digital integration, transparency, and agility across the supply chain. Recommendations include investment in eLMIS infrastructure, real-time demand forecasting, capacity-building initiatives, and regional harmonization of procurement protocols. The findings contribute to advancing universal health coverage by proposing actionable strategies for resilient pharmaceutical logistics.},
keywords = {Essential Medicines, Stockout Prevention, Supply Chain Integration, Public Health Logistics, Sub-Saharan Africa, eLMIS},
month = {June},
}