Meeting the challenges of Australia's healthcare supply chain

There are few – if any – areas of the medical industry that do not require extreme precision and sensitivity, and the healthcare logistics sector is no different. In an often time and temperature sensitive environment, lives can genuinely be on the line if medical products or equipment do not reach their destinations in time.

The sheer size of Australia as a landmass presents a challenge in itself, even for the delivery of supplies to some of the country’s major cities, let alone its regional and rural towns.

However, just because someone lives outside Australia’s major hubs doesn’t mean they don’t deserve access to the highest quality medical products available, and it’s in ensuring all have access to top-notch medical services where the transport industry comes to the fore.

Whether it be by road, rail or air, the transport sector plays a crucial role in keeping Australia healthy through the delivery of wide variety of medical supplies. From the delivery of highly perishable goods like blood packs, the precise management of high-value and fragile equipment, or highly-temperature sensitive medicines and vaccines, the transport sector plays a key role in ensuring Australia’s medical services have access to all they need to treat patients.

Regional Vice President – Operations FedEx Express Australasia Peter Langley says while the healthcare supply chain can often present new and unique challenges to those who operate in it, the advancements of technologies has made the movement of medical supplies all over the country safer and more efficient than ever.

“The healthcare supply chain is a complex network involving various stakeholders including equipment suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, shippers, medical professionals and patients,” Langley tells ATN.

“Many medical supplies have specific storage requirements or expiration dates, which emphasises the need for well-orchestrated transportation and logistics for timely and accurate delivery.

“Australia’s vast geography presents unique hurdles for healthcare transportation and logistics. In rural and remote areas factors such as limited infrastructure, extreme weather conditions and long distances can significantly impact the timely delivery of essential medical supplies.

“FedEx is committed to ensuring that healthcare supplies reach its customers in a safe and timely manner, no matter their location. We understand the importance of overcoming the challenges posed by Australia’s vast geography and diverse climates.

“Through our use of technology such as real-time tracking, packaging solutions, an extensive network, and a collaborative approach, we aim to meet our customers’ expectations and support their important work in the communities they serve.

“Our extensive network and expertise in remote area transportation and logistics help us to reach even the most isolated communities.”

Although the effective transport of medical supplies and healthcare equipment has always been of integral importance to those who operate within the healthcare logistics space, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the necessity of a robust and healthy supply chain that could rise to any challenge.

With vaccine mandates in effect around the country during the pandemic, the ability to deliver healthcare goods safely, securely and in bulk to a range of locations suddenly became a matter of national importance. It was on the front page of every newspaper, the leading story of every news bulletin, and one of the world’s major topics of discussion.

Langley says meeting the specificity requirements to move temperature-sensitive products like vaccines needs a versatile and multi-staged approach to be successful.

“Efficient transportation of medicines and equipment requires precision, reliability and adherence to specific handling requirements,” Langley continues.

“Transportation and logistics companies employ a multifaceted approach to help ensure the safe and timely delivery of high-value, temperature-sensitive packages like vaccines.

“FedEx healthcare delivery services are designed to help ensure the safe delivery of medical supplies through a combination of technologies, specialised procedures and expertise.

“Some of these measures include insulated containers that are deigned to maintain optimal temperatures throughout a journey, incorporating phase change materials that are designed to absorb and release heat to provide additional temperature stability, and the providing of a variety of customisable packaging solutions that are designed for specific product requirements or conditions.

“Optimised route and contingency planning ensure minimised transit times or exposure to temperature fluctuations and develops backup plans to address unexpected delays or disruptions.”

Outside of planning and packaging technologies, Langley says people, whether they be employees or customers, have an important role to play in keeping the healthcare supply chain robust, efficient and moving.

“We employ staff with specialised training in handling temperature-sensitive shipments and ensure there is strict adherence to all laws and standards applicable to FedEx transportation and handling of shipments,” Langley says.

“Our staff work closely with customers to understand their specific needs and maintain open communication to address concerns and provide timely updates.

“By implementing these measures, we actively support our healthcare customers by safely and efficiently moving critical medical goods.

“FedEx is proud to support the vital and crucial work our healthcare workers provide to the community.”