SAPICS conference to tackle training gaps in africa’s healthcare supply chains
In the healthcare sector, effective supply chain management is crucial for ensuring that life-saving medications, vaccines, and medical supplies reach patients in a timely manner. However, the challenges faced by supply chains in low and middle-income countries are significant, largely due to a lack of properly trained professionals. This issue was highlighted by SAPICS, the South African supply chain management professional body, which emphasised the critical need for skilled personnel in this sector at its upcoming conference.
According to SAPICS president Thato Moloi, as much as one-third of the global population lacks adequate access to essential medicines, a situation exacerbated by inefficient supply chains in developing areas. He pointed out that healthcare workers—often stretched thin with their responsibilities—are sometimes thrown into the complex realm of supply chain management without sufficient training. “Pharmacists,” for instance, find themselves juggling the dual roles of dispensing medications and managing supply chains, which can lead to critical errors including stock shortages and wastage. As he succinctly puts it, managing the complexities of procurement, warehousing, and last-mile delivery requires adept professionals equipped to make informed decisions rapidly.
Highlighting an urgent call to action, Moloi asserts that the emergence of challenges such as fluctuating global trade dynamics and funding limitations, particularly by 2025, necessitates a fresh push towards enhancing the capabilities of supply chain experts in healthcare. The SAPICS Annual Conference, which is set to take place in Cape Town from 8 to 11 June 2025, aims to address these needs by providing a platform for training, knowledge-sharing, and the exchange of innovative ideas among industry professionals. This year, the theme “Innovation in Motion” will guide discussions centred on resilience and adaptation in the face of disruption.
The importance of continuous education was underscored by Esther Ndichu, a supply chain expert and TED Talk speaker, who will be presenting at the conference. She will share insights from the People That Deliver initiative, which collaborates with both public and private sectors to tackle workforce challenges in health supply chains, aiming to professionalise this crucial segment of the workforce.
Moreover, the conference will delve into the role of outsourcing in public health supply chains across Africa, presenting findings from case studies in over ten countries. Discussions are poised to explore strategies for enhancing efficiency and sustainability in public health logistics, drawing attention to the indispensable role of private sector partnerships.
Indeed, the historical lag in adopting innovative practices within health supply chains remains a pressing topic. Recent funding cuts have heightened the need for healthcare systems to evolve swiftly, embracing new technologies and strategies to enhance service delivery. Continuous training for hospital staff is paramount; not only does it improve operational efficiency and regulatory compliance, but it is also essential for adapting to modern technological advancements. Effective training programmes equip staff with the skills necessary for optimising resource utilisation and improving patient care, thereby directly impacting health outcomes.
Overall, SAPICS's initiative to elevate the standards of supply chain management through its upcoming conference signifies a pivotal moment for the healthcare sector in Africa. By fostering education and collaboration, the event aims to cultivate a workforce capable of navigating the complexities of modern healthcare supply chains, ultimately leading to better healthcare delivery for those in need.
As healthcare providers prepare for this significant gathering, the call for informed engagement and proactive adaptation is clearer than ever—the survival of countless lives hinges on the supply chain professionals who move life-saving medicine.