Supply chain management and its effect on healthcare service Quality Quantitative evidence from public and private hospitals of twin cities In pakistan

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to get the understanding of supply chain management and its effect on health care service quality in twin cities of Pakistan. Supply chain management both in private and public health sector is getting higher attention as a priority and challenge for many countries. The objective of the study was to explore the SCM dimensions among private and public hospitals in twin cities, the impact of these on service quality in private and public hospitals in twin cities and the challenges that hospitals encounter in implementation of SCM. Among the areas reviewed include: supply chain management dimensions, impact of supply chain management on service quality and challenges of supply chain management and service quality delivery. The study also aims to clarify the differences between supply chain management and quality of health services due to some demographic variables such as (gender, age, education level, and years of experience in the field of supply. The study adopted a case quantitative design. The researcher conducted the seven (7) private and public hospitals in twin cities of Pakistan. The study used primary data collected through a structured questionnaire. Questionnaires were distributed to male and female employees working in the departments of supply and procurement divided in hospitals. The study results show that there is a significant effect of supply chain management dimensions’ (the relationship with suppliers, specifications and standards, and delivery, after-sales service) on the quality of health services. On the other hand, the results also indicate that there are no differences between supply chain management and the quality of health services due to gender, qualification, age, or experience. Further studies related to the health sector can be conducted especially comparative studies between public, private and military health service sectors