DR. CHANDRAN VINOTH KUMAR,Group Chief Supply Chain Officer GNRC Ltd, Guwahati
In an Exclusive Conversation with Modern Medi Health a Healthcare Media Network Dr.DR. CHANDRAN VINOTH KUMAR,Group Chief Supply Chain Officer GNRC Ltd says on the future of Healthcare supply Chain will be shaped by technological advancements and lessons from global events like COVID-19. Digitization will play a pivotal role , with AI-driven analytics enhancing forecasting accuracy.
“Can you share some key challenges you’ve encountered in healthcare supply chain management and how you’ve overcome them in your role as a Chief of Supply Chain in your career journey?”
Certainly. In healthcare supply chain management, volatile demand and disruptions pose significant challenges. To address this, I’ve implemented advanced analytics for demand forecasting, ensuring inventory optimization. Strategic diversification of suppliers mitigates risks during unforeseen events. Proactive contingency planning and stockpiling critical supplies enhance resilience. Embracing technological solutions, such as RFID tracking and innovative solutions like 4D and 5D MUSIC model, optimizes efficiency and reduces waste. The key lies in a dynamic approach, combining data-driven strategies and innovative technologies to navigate the intricate landscape of healthcare supply chain management.
“As a seasoned professional in the hospital industry, how do you foresee the future of healthcare supply chain evolving, especially in the context of technological advancements and global events like the COVID-19 pandemic?”
The future of healthcare supply chain will be shaped by technological advancements and lessons from global events like COVID-19. Digitalization will play a pivotal role, with AI-driven analytics enhancing forecasting accuracy. Block chain will ensure transparent and secure transactions, vital for critical medical supplies. Supply chain resilience will be a focal point, necessitating diversified sourcing and agile strategies. Post-pandemic, a heightened emphasis on emergency preparedness and rapid response redefine industry standards. Collaboration, innovation, and adaptability will be key drivers, ensuring healthcare supply chains evolve to meet the demands of an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
“As the first healthcare management professional in India to achieve recognition in World Book of Records, and Guinness World Records, your achievements are truly remarkable. Can you provide insights into the unique journey that led to these prestigious records, and how do you believe these accolades contribute to elevating the standards of healthcare management?
“My journey towards achieving recognition in both the World Book of Records and Guinness World Records has been a testament to the importance of illegal drug awareness. It involved meticulous planning, collaboration with experts, and an unwavering commitment to educating communities. These accolades not only celebrate personal achievement but more importantly, they spotlight the critical cause of drug awareness on a global stage. By creating a record in organizing the largest illegal drugs awareness lesson in the world, I aim to elevate healthcare management standards by fostering a community that is informed and empowered to make healthier choices, thereby contributing to a positive impact on public health outcomes.”
Being an innovator, can you highlight your innovative solutions or technologies you’ve implemented to enhance efficiency and sustainability in the healthcare supply chain?
The two major challenges faced in healthcare are the high cost of treatment / surgical procedures due to high expensive medical devices and the impact of huge medical waste generated daily that causes greenhouse gas emissions. The healthcare services are responsible for 4.4% greenhouse gas emissions.
Most of medical devices are very expensive which in turn would make these complex procedures unaffordable for majority of the population particularly in developing countries like India. This has prompted to innovate a solution, 5D MUSIC model to achieve sustainable healthcare.
The 5D MUSIC Model is a multifaceted approach that brings together five elements: consumption value, criticality of the items, lead time, methods and effective utilization of resources. Like a symphony composed of various instruments, all these components work in harmony to enhance sustainability by adopting CQO approaches, health technology assessments, lean sigma concepts and circular economy principles. The is the only approach that addresses the three dimensions of sustainability – Social Sustainability (People), Economical Sustainability (Prosperity) and Environmental Sustainability (Planet) and it integrates the various functions of the hospital such as finance, operations, stores, purchasing and waste management. This innovative, novel 5D methodology result in significant cost savings and significant reduction in the generation of medical waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, the healthcare can be made more affordable and sustainable – social, economic and environmental.
“In your experience, how crucial is collaboration between healthcare providers, suppliers, and other stakeholders for effective supply chain management, and what initiatives have you led to foster such collaborations?”
Collaboration is paramount in effective supply chain management. Seamless communication among healthcare providers, suppliers, and stakeholders ensures a resilient and responsive system. I’ve spearheaded initiatives to establish transparent channels, fostering open dialogue and trust. Joint forecasting and planning sessions with suppliers optimize inventory levels. Furthermore, participation in industry forums and the creation of cross-functional teams enhance collective problem-solving. By prioritizing collaboration, we create a symbiotic relationship that not only mitigates challenges but also promotes innovation and continuous improvement in our healthcare supply chain.
“In the current landscape, sustainability is a growing concern. How do you integrate sustainability practices into healthcare supply chain management?
In response to the escalating concern for sustainability, we’ve embedded eco-conscious practices into our healthcare supply chain. From sourcing ethically-produced materials to optimizing transportation routes, our commitment to sustainability is integral. Implementing energy-efficient technologies and waste reduction initiatives has not only lessened our environmental footprint but also resulted in cost savings. This approach aligns with our organizational values, resonates positively with stakeholders, and ensures a resilient, future-proof healthcare supply chain that minimizes its impact on the environment while contributing to the overall efficiency and reputation of the organization.
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Given your multifaceted role, how do you balance the demands of being a Chief Supply Chain Officer, an innovator, researcher, and advocate for sustainability? Are there any specific strategies you employ to manage such diverse responsibilities effectively?
Balancing diverse roles requires strategic prioritization and effective time management. I designate focused periods for each role, ensuring dedicated attention to supply chain management, innovation, research, and sustainability advocacy. Embracing technology streamlines routine tasks, granting me the bandwidth for innovation and research pursuits. Regularly reassessing priorities and staying adaptable are key strategies. Ultimately, an integrated approach ensures that each facet of my role complements the others, creating a synergistic impact across the spectrum of responsibilities.
“As a versatile healthcare supply management professional, your expertise spans authorship, innovation, research, bio-disaster management, circularity, and sustainability advocacy. How do you integrate these diverse facets into your role, and can you share specific instances where this multidimensional approach has made a significant impact on the healthcare supply chain industry?”
Integrating diverse facets into my healthcare supply management role involves a holistic perspective. My authorship extends industry knowledge, disseminating best practices through publications. Innovation is applied in adopting cutting-edge technologies and methodologies for supply chain optimization. Research aids in evidence-based decision-making, enhancing operational efficiency. In bio-disaster management, a proactive stance ensures rapid response and uninterrupted supplies during crises. Circular economy principles are embedded in sourcing practices, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Advocacy extends beyond organizational walls, influencing industry-wide sustainability initiatives. An illustrative example is during a recent crisis; our bio-disaster protocols, coupled with sustainable sourcing, ensured a swift and sustainable response, underscoring the potency of this multidimensional approach in fortifying the resilience and ethical standing of the healthcare supply chain industry.
Looking ahead, what do you believe are the most significant trends or disruptions on the horizon for healthcare supply chain management, and how are you preparing your organization to navigate these challenges successfully?
Anticipating the future of healthcare supply chain management involves recognizing the influence of digitalization, increased regulatory scrutiny, and evolving global dynamics. Integration of AI for predictive analytics and block chain for transparency are crucial trends. We are fostering a culture of adaptability, investing in employee training, and fortifying supplier relationships. Diversification of sourcing and implementing agile supply chain strategies will enhance resilience. By staying abreast of technological advancements and proactively adjusting our operational paradigms, we position our organization to not only navigate future disruptions but to lead in the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare supply chain management.
