Work

An integrated framework for managing vaccine supply chain shortages in the child immunization program of India

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: • Ten causes of vaccines shortages and twelve solutions to overcome shortages are discussed. • Integrated framework using AHP and COPRAS-G is proposed to rank the causes and solutions. • Monte Carlo simulation using a uniform probability distribution in the domain [0, 1] validates the proposed model findings. • Ranking the solutions helps devise better strategies to manage India’s child immunization programs amid the vaccine shortage. Ensuring a consistent supply of vaccines from manufacture to distribution, storage, and administration relies on efficient management of the Vaccine Supply Chain (VSC). However, in recent years, vaccine shortages have emerged as a major issue for vaccine producers and child immunization programs, especially in low- and middle-income countries, which hampers VSC overall performance. This study aims to address the ongoing problem of vaccine shortages in India’s child immunization program by identifying the main causes and investigating possible solutions to address the shortage issue. To do this, we propose an integrated framework that combines the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Complex Proportional Assessment with Grey Theory (COPRAS-G) methodologies. This framework yields 12 potential solutions for the 10 issues causing shortages. We show that demand uncertainty is the primary cause of vaccine shortages and that a better monitoring system is necessary to detect and treat shortages in a timely manner. To validate the stability of the results, we run a Monte Carlo simulation using a uniform probability distribution on the interval [0, 1]. The results of this study will provide valuable insights for policymakers on how to effectively manage the vaccine shortage issue and improve the performance of child immunization programs.

Source: Computers & Industrial Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.cie.2025.111149

Authors: Dheeraj Chandra, Shweta, Amit Kumar Yadav, Vipul Jain

Institutions: Indian Institute of Management Kashipur, Indian Institute of Management Sambalpur, O. P. Jindal Global University, RMIT University

Language: English

Topic: Multi-Criteria Decision Making

Subfield: Management Science and Operations Research

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,790