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Supply Chain Challenges of Personal Protective Equipment, and Methods of Mitigation Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study from Sri Lanka, a Developing Country in South East Asia

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Personal Protective equipment (PPE) are essential for healthcare workers to prevent the disease spread. With COVID-19 pandemic, although demand for PPE increased, its supply chain was adversely affected. This case-study describes the supply chain challenges of PPE and mitigation measures during COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka, a developing country in South East Asia.Methods In-depth interviews were conducted among officials (N = 14), who were directly involved with PPE procurement to the Health Ministry of Sri Lanka, at the Medical Supplies Division, State Ministry of Production Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals and State Pharmaceutical Corporation. Study sample was collected until data saturation. A semi-structured interviewer guide was used to assess the PPE supply chain challenges and mitigation measures undertaken by Sri Lanka, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thematic analysis was done.Results It was revealed that the preparation for an un-interrupted PPE supply prior to pandemic hitting the country was unsatisfactory. High cost; unavailability of certified suppliers; unavailability of PPE globally and locally; lack of raw materials; quality failure; delays in procurement procedure; increased demand and its dynamicity; and lack of funds challenged the PPE supply chain. Intergovernmental negotiations; encouraging local production; purchasing from local suppliers; issuing guidelines for PPE usage; and obtaining support from development partners/INGOs were the mitigation strategies that were undertaken.Conclusions Sri Lanka, as a country with limited resources, has faced several PPE supply chain challenges during the pandemic. Policy makers need to undertake measures to improve the readiness prior to similar disasters in the future. In addition, encouraging local PPE production, establishing quality assurance mechanisms, development of relevant guidelines and improving staff capacity on the procurement process are recommended to face disasters of such caliber in the future.

Source: Archives of Clinical and Biomedical Research

DOI: 10.26502/acbr.50170436

Authors: Ishanka Ayeshwari Talagala, Keerthi Mahesh Kodithuwakku

Institutions: University of Moratuwa, Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, University of Colombo

Language: English

Topic: Supply Chain Resilience and Risk Management

Subfield: Strategy and Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: University of Moratuwa