The Role of Supply Chain Management Practices on Supply Chain Performance in Healthcare Industry in Karachi

Abstract

This study explains specific supply chain management (SCM) practices that can boost the effectiveness of the healthcare supply chain in Karachi, Pakistan. The study focuses on three critical practices: careful planning, effective communication, and the development of strong relationships with suppliers. Additionally, it looks into how integrating these practices through advanced systems can make them even more impactful. The research involved conducting a detailed survey of professionals working within the healthcare supply chain sector. These professionals provide the insights into the real-world application of these SCM practices. The data collected from these surveys were then analyzed using a variety of statistical techniques to uncover the key factors contributing to improved supply chain performance. The findings are quite revealing: when supply chains are precisely planned, communication is kept clear and consistent, and strong relationships with suppliers are maintained, the overall performance of the supply chain sees significant improvement. Furthermore, when these practices are combined within an integrated system, their positive effects are increased, leading to even better outcomes. This study not only develops our understanding of how SCM functions within the healthcare sector but also provides practical, actionable recommendations for enhancing healthcare services in Karachi. Future research should aim to explore how these improvements hold up over time and consider how similar practices might be applied across different regions and industries to yield comparable benefits.