In this paper, we present emerging findings from a national research study that documents the key features of the fragility of the health supply chain evident across the seven Canadian provinces. Results suggest that the fragility of the health supply chain contributes to substantive challenges across health systems, thus limiting or precluding proactive and comprehensive responses to pandemic management. These findings inform strategies to strengthen supply chain capacity and performance in order to enable health systems to effectively respond to pandemic events.

One of the greatest challenges facing global healthcare systems is patient safety; medical errors are now the third leading cause of death in North America. This paper proposes a new direction to improve patient safety and performance. By transforming the healthcare supply chain, we can achieve visibility and attain greater value for patients, health system leaders, industries and governments.