The necessity of healthcare supply chain resilience for crisis preparedness

Abstract

Prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian provincial health systems and governments did not sufficiently consider healthcare supply chain in their crisis preparedness plans, leading to an exposed and vulnerable healthcare system. There have been many opportunities to learn from past Canadian and global crises, which have emphasized the importance of healthcare supply chain resilience in providing essential care to patients; however, considerations of healthcare supply chain resilience remain a significant gap in preparedness planning. Illustrated through the Canadian response to COVID-19 pandemic, this article will explore how healthcare supply chain resilience should be a necessary consideration in any crisis preparedness plans. Further, without this consideration of healthcare supply chain resilience, it is the person (the patient and healthcare worker), and especially vulnerable populations, that are most put at risk in the event of a future crisis.