A hybrid framework to model resilience in the generic medicine supply chain of MSMEs

What is it about?

Purpose: One of the most important components of healthcare is the timely delivery of pharmaceutical products, such as life-saving medicines. However, disruptions such as COVID-19 bring new challenges and risks to the pharmaceutical supply chain (PSC) and healthcare organizations that impact their operational performance. The current study focuses on mitigating risks in India’s generic medicine supply chain (GMSC) as a result of various disruptions, which can assist policymakers in developing appropriate plans and strategies to build resilience in the Jan Aushadhi Scheme (JAS) of MSMEs in order to improve their overall performance. Methodology: Risk-causing vulnerabilities and resilience capabilities are identified from the literature review and expert’s opinions. Following that, the vulnerabilities are classified as cause-and-effect vulnerabilities, and supply chain resilient capabilities (SCRCs) are measured using a hybrid fuzzy DEMATEL and Best Worst Method (FDEMATEL-BMW) framework. Findings: The outcome of the study reveals that transportation breakdown, loss of human resources, and loss of suppliers are the potential risk-causing vulnerabilities that lead to vulnerabilities like shortages of medicines, loss of in-hand stock qualities, and loss of sales/revenue. In addition, the analysis suggests that the sustainability of an organization with maximum weightage is the critical factor for building resilience in GMSC followed by flexibility, agility, and visibility. Practical Implications: The integration of resilience into Jan Aushadhi GMSC can help in managing disruptions efficiently and effectively to mitigate risk and optimize MSMEs overall performance. Originality: To the best of our knowledge, this work will be the first of its kind to model resilience in GMSC of MSMEs using a hybrid framework.

Featured Image