Supply chain management in the healthcare sector, and specifically in the hospital sector, is of great importance because it directly influences all areas and processes: costs, patient care and hospital service outcomes.
The supply chain in the health sector is one of the processes that often faces social, economic and environmental challenges. Hospital spending in Colombia, for example, has come to represent up to 40% in the health sector and between 30% to 40 % of the hospital budget is allocated to the supply chain (OECD).
This percentage could be reduced, in addition to focusing the process on chain optimization and a more sustainable and economical management of the chain. In order to achieve positive results, different aspects and strategies must be taken into account, one of the main ones being strategic alliances that bring great benefits.
What is a strategic alliance?
We can define them as the collaboration between different actors in the health sector, from hospitals, suppliers, distributors, to manufacturers, now, among the multiple benefits of these relationships we can highlight:
- Optimization, efficiency, sustainabilityThe alliance's stakeholders optimize and sustain processes and resources.
- Competencies and professional development: collaboration among professionals positively influences professional growth and development.
- Innovation, translational research: promotes research and development of new products, processes or services.
- Patient accessibility: equity in the accessibility of hospital services and outreach to new territories and locations.
- Access to resources: easier access to technologies, medicines, professionals and knowledge.
How to achieve it?
Achieving a successful alliance goes beyond contract management; an exhaustive analysis process must be carried out to choose the best options according to the project or activity to be managed in the sector. One method that can work when implementing this strategy is to divide the process into 4 stages:
- Identification of opportunities: look for opportunities taking into account the vision, objectives and current situation.
- Design and development of the alliance: structure the vision of the alliance and formalize agreements, taking into account expectations and resources.
- Implementation of the alliance: to carry out the alliance by starting with pilot tests, carrying out communication flows and establishing an environment open to change.
- Follow-up of the alliance: establish a model for monitoring, regular evaluations and feedback from the parties.
By working together and with well-structured partnerships, the hospital sector can meet and overcome challenges, reduce costs and ensure that patients receive the care they need in a timely and effective manner.
Sources:
National University of Colombia
Amphos
Cynoteck
