Qualitative assessment of Malta’s healthcare supply chain management during the COVID-19 pandemic : a focus on personal protective equipment

Abstract

The Central Procurement Supplies Unit (CPSU) provides Malta’s National Health Service with medical devices and personal protective equipment (PPE) through supply chain management. COVID-19 pandemic caused disruption, testing supply chains to their limit. This study evaluated the systems involved for CPSU to supply the national health system with special focus on Malta's main hospital, Mater Dei (MDH), and identified changes that have been made to improve its readiness for future disruptions. In-depth interviews with CPSU personnel and focus groups with MDH end users were employed. These tools enabled a detailed investigation and examination of the interpretation of key actors on the supply chain system. Key actors provided insights on the efforts made to procure and supply priority-flagged devices amid the pandemic. MDH end users’ perceptions on the modified system were assessed. Findings which emerged included lack of robust demands, a lack of storage facilities and scarce human resources experienced by the CPSU. The end users considered the modified supply chain system to be too regulated, adding further to their concerns. The research draws conclusions and recommendations based on the aggregated data. An analysis on the National Health Service and CPSU’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats was carried out. The scope being to strengthen the health care supply chain management in being better prepared for future major disruptions.