Managing Logistics and Supplies

Abstract

The chapter addresses the very important area of managing resources required by healthcare system. The chapter has been written with a view to provide an understanding of the key concepts, while maintaining the logical sequence of addressing the key terms, concepts, processes, and methods related to supplies and equipment used in health care. Logistics and supplies is a field characterized by a plethora of terminologies and domains like material management, logistics and supply chain management, logistics functions, and logistics processes. The initial section therefore seeks to clarify the multiple terms and concepts to instill a clear understanding among the readers before delving into the details. There is an in depth detailing of the concepts of procurement cycle, distribution, and quantifying requirements. Drug store management is covered in detail with focus on layout, storage, safety measures, and aspects of physical verification. The section on inventory management covers the important inventory control techniques like ABC and VED analysis which is a simple and lucid style. The concepts of equipment management are also dealt at length to explain the principles of equipment planning, maintenance, performance record, and condemnation.