What Rising Inflation Means for the Healthcare Supply Chain
4/18/2022 12:00:00 AM
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What Rising Inflation Means for the Healthcare Supply Chain
Every step in the healthcare value chain is confronting inflationary pressure. As the US economy recovers from COVID-19, the remaining problems of rising consumer demand, elevated prices, and global supply constraints are driving inflation. Currently experiencing rates not seen since 1982: US inflation rates accelerated to 7.5% (January 2022), well above market forecasts of 7.3%. 1
Increased consumer demand coupled with pandemic-related supply chain disruptions are among the main factors driving the current period of higher-than-normal inflation.
1. Lockdowns & labor shortages
Businesses, cities, and even entire countries shut down at the pandemic outbreak. As COVID-19 lockdowns and variant surges persisted, many manufacturers were left scrambling to find workers to maintain consistent production levels.
2. Global logistic backlogs
In 2021 there were a record number of container ships at anchor or drifting off Los Angeles and Long Beach ports. With unprecedented ocean volumes from Asia and domestic land transportation stretched thin, black logs drove many supply chains to a halt.
3. Raw materials and product shortages
Economies worldwide have been plagued by shortages of raw materials and finished goods.
The healthcare supply chain specifically saw a massive global spike for PPE beginning in 2020, leaving many providers scrambling to access vital supplies needed to protect their employees and care for patients. 2
Outlook on shipping industry inflation
Simon Heaney, Drewery's senior manager, has said the bottlenecks experienced throughout 2021 show little sign of lessening. As a result, ship capacity will remain tight through most of 2022, with COVID era inflation continuing to impact shipping rates.
The future of inflation on healthcare services
While unprecedented inflation has begun to influence healthcare manufacturing, it is only a matter of time before prices for healthcare services catch up with the increase. With rates and prices often set two to three years in advance, there will likely be a delay before consumers experience the same pressures. 3
What is Dukal doing in response?
With the support and commitment of our Asia team, Dukal is changing the way we source vital materials. Leveraging our 30 years of healthcare manufacturing with advancements in supply chain technology, we’re continuing to improve the resiliency of our suppliers.
We're developing collaborative forecasts and safety stock programs
Using automation and IT investments to obtain real-time information to improve transparency and proactive decision-making
Fostering partnerships through volume to SKU discounts
We are committed to getting inventory to the vital health systems throughout the US when they need it.
Told through the eyes of our employees, this issue captures the challenges faced by today's healthcare market, while highlighting the new technologies and innovative solutions driving Dukal and the future of care.
References:
1. “Table 2.4.4U. Price indexes for personal consumption expenditures by major type of product and by major function,” Bureau of Economic Analysis, January 27, 2022.
