Supply Chain Management in Health Care (SCMHC)

An effective health system comprises many components, including a well-functioning supply chain; the availability of quality and affordable health commodities at the facility is a key outcome of the logistics system ensuring that the patient receives the services they need. Significant budgetary resources are allocated for providing public health commodities in developing countries while many supply chains are managed ad-hoc and performance is insufficient. Efforts are needed to strengthen international and in-country supply chains and to establish sustainable and integrated logistics systems that are robust enough to respond to dynamics and challenges in the health sector. Key to building sustainable supply systems is recognition of and investments in human resources and the necessary management structures required to effectively and efficiently manage these systems.

The course covers introductory level supply chain management, presenting basic principles of supply and support structures and functions, with a specific focus on problems related to global health. The course engages participants in the analysis of case studies that describe efforts to improve commodities supply chains and healthcare delivery in resource-poor settings. Discussion of these cases will illuminate principles and frameworks for the design and management of efficient and effective supply chains of healthcare commodities. The course will address the basics of the supply cycle as a prerequisite for access to medicines, the use of medicines, quality assurance and accountability, all embedded in a health system perspective.

This part-time and flexible study programme caters to the needs of working professionals. More than 75% of all learning takes place at a distance, giving students the opportunity to learn and progress at their own pace. All courses adopt a blended learning approach, offering the advantages of both self-directed and face-to-face phases. Participants benefit from a wide range of learning methods designed to achieve the best possible individual learning experience: lectures, seminars, case studies, group work, pre-recorded videos, self-directed learning with feedback from lecturers and/or the course coordinator as well as practical exercises.

During the preparation phase course materials are accessed via our Learning Management Platform at the participants’ own pace with guidance from course coordinators and facilitators.

The preparation phase is followed by a hybrid face-to-face week at the Swiss TPH headquarters. Active participation (online or in person) is expected from 9:00-17:00 CE(S)T. At least one facilitator is always on site and in-person teaching is prioritized whenever possible, although in exceptional circumstances facilitators may join online. Online spaces for participation is limited. These spaces are allocated based on student need (i.e. travel restrictions, etc.).

Learning outcomes are consolidated during the post phase with a final assignment that is introduced during the hybrid face-to-face week. This phase is self directed and guided via our Learning Management Platform. The post phase is finished when the final assignment has been handed in.

Participants are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the principles of health commodity supply chain management and to apply managerial approaches to strengthen supply of medical supplies. They are able to describe the elements of the supply cycle up to the delivery of health commodities to the end user including aspects of responsible use. Participants appreciate the role of human resources and of quality assurance in supply management and will be able to identify, analyse, interpret & address managerial challenges of supply chains in health care.

Participants are assessed during both, the distance-based and on-campus phases of the courses, through individual and team assignments, professional presentations, quizzes or short tests, reflective papers & proposed projects.

Fee for MBA-IHM students*: CHF 2,450
Fee for Short Course students: CHF 2,850

* Same fee applies to tropEd students and students enrolled in a SSPH+ professional postgraduate Master or PhD programme.

Course fees must be paid in advance to gain access to the online learning materials. Tuition fees do not cover insurance, travel expenses or personal living costs incurred during your stay in Basel.

Scholarships: Neither offered by the institute nor the University of Basel.