What does supply chain management (SCM) encompass in healthcare?

Supply chain management (SCM) in healthcare primarily involves the management of the flow of supplies and equipment from manufacturers to healthcare providers. This includes procuring items such as medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and equipment, as well as managing inventory levels, storage, and distribution processes. Effective SCM ensures that healthcare facilities have the necessary resources available when needed, which directly impacts the quality of patient care and operational efficiency.

This understanding highlights the critical role that SCM plays in ensuring the availability and quality of resources required for patient treatment and care delivery. It integrates various aspects, such as logistics, inventory control, and supplier management, to streamline operations within healthcare settings. While financial management and strategic planning are important in healthcare, they are not the direct focus of supply chain management, which is specifically concerned with the tangible movement and management of products essential for healthcare services.