The pandemic has disrupted the healthcare supply chain management and created a ripple effect on a global level. A spotlight on the vulnerabilities has made experts to revaluate the process and implement disaster mitigation and recovery methods to ensure all operational threats are addressed.

Healthcare supply chain is an extensive network of individuals, organizations, resources and processes that collectively ensure healthcare supplies and medicines are manufactured, distributed, and provided to patients. Any disruptions in the supply chain can lead to increased costs, patient outcomes, and service efficiency. Sustaining the availability of medical supplies during disruptions is critical. The debate on how to increase the resilience of supply chains in clinical laboratories has gained new momentum after the COVID-19 pandemic. Product shortages due to sudden increase in demand and logistical challenges during the pandemic have forced clinical laboratories to revise their supply chain strategies.

Herein, we will discuss the role of supply chain in health care, the disruption and effects of shortages and strategies to mitigate supply chain risks in the context of clinical laboratory management.