Grant for HumOSCM Lab project “Decision-Making for Cost-Effective Medical Supply”
Our HumOSCM Lab successfully acquired a two-year ETH4D Research Challenges Grant financed by the ETH Board, which helps to improve decision-making for cost-effective medical supply. The project concentrates on the distribution of medical supplies to ICRC assisted health facilities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo/DRC, Kenya and Somalia
Reliable and equitable distribution of medical supplies is a critical enabler of ICRC’s life-saving work in conflict (war) zones. The downstream flow of material to supported health facilities, in usually remote and dangerous locations, is made possible by a smooth flow of information in the opposite direction. Variability in stock levels is problematic and poor service levels increase suffering, and potentially deaths, while compromising the proper allocation of funding.
The project team members of the HumOSCM Lab will work collaboratively with members of ICRC’s Logistics Division with the aim to reduce the stockouts of medical items. At the same time, it targets the reduction of avoidable waste (expired, unused materials, expedited freight costs, firefighting by staff), in the entire medical distribution system in order to maximize the number of patients treated with the funds available to ICRC. The study also considers the organization’s ability to execute by carrying out a qualitative study of organizational and process configurations, in order to identify the root causes of problems, model potential improvements, and propose implementable solutions. In this way, the study contributes significantly to the emerging research on humanitarian operations and supply chain management in emergency healthcare.
The external pageInternational Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an independent, neutral organization ensuring humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. It takes action in response to emergencies and at the same time promotes respect for international humanitarian law and its implementation in national law.
The external pageETH Board defines the strategy of the ETH Domain within the framework of the performance mandate, represents the ETH Domain to the government and government agencies at federal level, issues controlling directives, carries out strategic controlling, approves the development plans of the institutions of the ETH Domain, oversees their implementation and supervises the ETH Domain.
The HumOSCM Lab, the ICRC and the ETH Board all strive for a positive and sustainable impact on society. This project contributes.