Healthcare Purchasing and Supply Chain Management

Introduction:

Healthcare providers must ensure that their procurement and supply chain management practices are optimized. Strong relationships between suppliers and operators are increasingly important given the rising uncertainties in supply chains, creating significant availability challenges throughout the industry.

Participants in this healthcare procurement and supply chain management training course need to understand that procurement functions must collaborate closely with supply chain departments to navigate today's complex operating environment. Adopting new procurement methods is essential due to the continuous changes occurring around us.

This course aims to enable participants to re-evaluate their organization's procurement and supply-chain strategies from a long-term perspective. It emphasizes addressing real-time problems, adapting to market shifts, and encouraging fresh global viewpoints in purchasing.

Through this healthcare procurement and supply chain management training, delegates will gain practical tools to transform their units into more competitive and resilient ones.

Understanding the Value and Importance of Supply Chain Management in Healthcare Procurement:

Navigating the complexities of healthcare delivery requires a comprehensive understanding of healthcare procurement. This process involves acquiring the products and services essential for the efficient functioning of health institutions.

It encompasses a range of activities, including sourcing medical devices and pharmaceuticals, as well as outsourcing services that are vital for patient care.

The true value of supply chain management in healthcare lies in its ability to organize operations efficiently, minimize costs, and enhance patient outcomes. Effective supply chain management ensures that the right products and services are available when and where needed, at the right cost—key elements for successful healthcare organizations.

This course explores solutions and strategies in healthcare procurement that aim to increase efficiency. It highlights the importance of robust procurement practices aligned with organizational objectives, ultimately resulting in better patient care through the timely availability of essential medical supplies.

Objective

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Rethink their existing healthcare procurement strategies.
• Strengthen cooperation with vendors, companies, and international partners.
• Streamline the procurement process.
• Adopt modern techniques related to procurement and supply chain management.
• Build a strong internal framework for effective demand planning.
• Apply the necessary tools for contract renegotiation.

Training Methodology:

• Interactive workshops
• Scenario-based learning exercises
• Brainstorming and problem-solving group activities
• Live demonstrations and practical sessions
• Expert-led panel discussions
• Virtual simulations and case study analysis
• Collaborative team projects
• Ongoing peer assessments and continuous feedback
• Strategy development and implementation exercises
• Final strategy presentation and peer review

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Defining Strategic Procurement in the Healthcare Industry:

• What does procurement involve?
• The meaning of supply chain management
• Why is healthcare different?
• Costs and challenges of maintaining product availability
• Risks related to procurement contracts

Unit 2: Methods of Integrating a Supply Chain Strategy:

• Importance of cooperative aspects of supply chains
• Modes of operation within the healthcare sector’s supply chain
• Demand versus supply side management
• Transportation, logistics, and warehousing
• Internal and external measures for integrating supply chains

Unit 3: Supplier Collaboration and Relationship Management:

• The value of supplier relationships
• Best practices for supplier collaboration
• Designing effective SLAs
• Total supplier management process
• Measures employed during pandemics

Unit 4: Strategic Contract Negotiations:

• Key components of critical commercial contracts
• Preparation for negotiations with a win-win approach
• Handling multiple suppliers
• Importance of team and competitive discussions
• Revising and rewriting contracts as needed

Unit 5: A New Approach to Procurement and Supply Chain Management:

• Supplier strategy and managing multiple suppliers
• The role of lean tools and techniques in the post-pandemic world
• Understanding links in supply chains
• Developing metrics for safety and reliability
• Measuring and enhancing supply chain performance

Conclusion:

The healthcare procurement and supply chain management certification provided by this course is a valuable recognition of competence and dedication in the field. Certification in Healthcare Procurement and Supply Chain Management offers a competitive advantage, attesting to the competence of professionals in this critical area.