SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT- DISPOSABLE SURGICAL MASKS
A report on the strategic business challenges confronting the future supply chain of disposable surgical mask business
The current global supply chain of the disposable surgical mask is undoubtedly facing adverse challenges going by the recent developments in demand for the coveted item around the world. The surge for this product is orchestrated by the daily surgeries and proliferating OPD sessions performed in different health sectors across the globe. The outbreak of the novel coronavirus has recently intensified the need to produce disposable surgical masks in large quantities. However, the business is anticipating to face massive challenges in the future due to uncertainty in the future supply chain. In this regard, strategic business drawbacks will suffice even as companies grapple with unraveling the phenomenon.
Future Threats and Weaknesses Confronting the Future Supply Chain.
The future supply chain of the disposable surgical mask will be affected by the hoarding of the product. Countries privileged to produce the item have of recent past instituted measures to prevent its supply due to the anticipated marketing price and the unforeseeable outbreak of disease. For example, a country like China, which is the largest producer and supplier of surgical masks, is considering re-examining its strategic supply chain. This comes due to the enormous demand witnessed in the country’s health care facilities. Other governments like the USA, Germany, Japan, and South Korea have followed suit. They are stockpiling the supplies and banning exports of the items altogether. The decision comes at the backdrop of the anticipated unmatched demand for the masks needed by health frontiers in their respective countries.
Another threat that will hit the supply chain of the disposable masks is stringent measures being employed by countries in a bid to prevent shortages in its supply. Health frontiers in countries like Germany and Japan are told to reuse a single mask daily due to a lack of quantity. Ideally, the disposable masks are meant to be used just once in every single contact. The strategy is not only predisposing them to conduct diseases but also disrupting the future analysis and evaluation of mask production line by the expert. Besides, the global supply chain will be hit by a recession in the economy. Moreover, a rise in trade exchange rates will cause significant challenges in the international supply channel due to the high logistical costs involved. In this context, the relatively lower-income countries will be unable to get the coveted supplies hence predisposing their patients to more illnesses.
Recommendations
The production, supply and the usage of disposable surgical masks will be no doubt estranged in many public health acts across the world. Strategically, countries aspiring to prevent hoarding and stockpiling will have to invest in production. The world should not rely entirely on specific countries to manufacture masks. Disposable surgical masks should be produced only when there is a need but rather anticipate for its future demand occasioned by globalization. The world medical associations backed up with the World Health Organization should encourage governments to establish factories in large markets like the US and the European Union. The move will ensure a flawless supply of disposable surgical masks throughout the seasons. Besides, supply chain management should not be reserved for a few players in the industry. There ought to be free marketing channels and distribution to encounter a surge in masks supplies. Also, the world trade organization should come up with policies that give the green light to equal distribution of medical supplies regardless of global health status.