Upstream Healthcare Supply Chain Risk Management in the Implementation of Circular Economy at the Primary Care Level

Supply chain risk management involves an effort to establish collaboration among partners to develop a shared risk management process to deal with risks and uncertainties resulting from logistic activities and distribution of resources. Risk management in healthcare supply chains involves the identification of the risk of quality and information failure in delivering healthcare services. In recent times, the challenges of healthcare supply chains include the management of risks along with maintenance of the ecological balance of natural environments. Thus, mitigating the impact of supply chain disruptions and healthcare waste is a crucial need. The implementation of circular economy (CE) in healthcare supply chains can result in eliminating waste using eco-friendly materials, optimization of resource yields, and circulation of products at their highest value. The purpose of this study is to minimize the risk impact if the supply of the critical product is delayed or unavailable when needed and using sustainable approach with CE implementation to mitigate the risks. To fulfil the research objectives, the risk analysis, evaluation, assessment, and mitigation, as well as the CE strategy for establishing sustainable supply chains, are demonstrated. A qualitative case study is being undertaken at the primary care level, an upstream healthcare service provider. Primary care is crucial for health-care delivery. The risk matrix was built by considering the mean time to arrival for the critical product. Data was gathered through interviews with practitioners such as doctors, operational employees, and logistic department managers. This research used Failure Mode Effect and Critical Analysis (FMECA) to prioritize risks and minimize the risk of failure within healthcare supply chains. The results show that the highest Risk Priority Number (RPN) is associated with delays or shortages of critical products such as latex gloves, often due to import delays. To address this issue in the context of CE implementation, one strategy is to diversify suppliers, including local suppliers, and to explore the use of biodegradable materials, such as green nitrile gloves. This highlights the importance of the supply side, involving suppliers and manufacturers, in innovating the New Product Development (NPD) stages to promote sustainable development. This study presents an innovative approach to the implementation of CE in healthcare services and highlights advances in supply chain risk management.