The health industry plays a vital role in the sustenance of life at every corner of the globe. In recent times, we have seen a series of advancements in the quality of health care provided. This progress is marked by the discovery of cures for previously deadly diseases and the invention of impressive technological pieces of equipment for the detection and monitoring of a person’s health.

It is safe to say that biomedical supplies and equipment are an intrinsic part of the healthcare system as they are used in clinical research, diagnosis, and even treatment. They also have an impact on patients’ quality of life. Despite the apparent relevance of these pieces of equipment, their procurement and management pose a challenge for healthcare facilities. To this end, we would discuss some problems of medical supply procurement and tips on how to manage medical supplies in medical care to improve the overall delivery of health care.

What Are the Problems of Medical Supply Procurement?

A significant problem faced by primary care facilities is the cost of machinery and medical supplies. Distribution, inventory holding, and other related factors carry their expenses, which serve to increase the overall cost of supplies. Without a proper understanding of these factors, it is often difficult for primary care providers to procure their supplies without incurring substantial expenses.  

In addition, the medical pieces of equipment are often produced in large quantities following a standard specification. A problem arises when customizable machines are required to meet the individual needs of patients. Alongside the added cost of customizable pieces of equipment, it would be difficult to find a reputable supplier willing to provide the needed machinery.

How to Properly Manage Medical Supplies in a Primary Care Facility

• Identify the necessary biomedical supplies which you intend to get and contemplate your reasons for their purchase.
• Endeavor only to replace pieces of equipment that can no longer be repaired or have been rendered obsolete to save costs.
• Ensure that supplies and machines you intend to purchase are compatible and acceptable for what you intend to use for them.
• The overall quality of the supplies should also be considered in terms of their reliability, durability, safety, and performance.
• Maintain a proper inventory of all medical supplies so you can keep track of what needs to be replaced.
• Ensure all supplies in your medical kits are accurately labeled so they can be easily identified in emergencies.
• Carefully monitor supply orders and enforce compliance to prevent unnecessary purchases, thus saving costs.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively prevent the procurement of unnecessary equipment or the use of substandard supplies.