How medical device supply chains keep hospitals supplied | GPLS 2026

The surgeon is ready. The operating theatre is ready. Implants are available, but the patient's required size is missing. This scenario opened Business Session 7 at the Global Pharma Logistics Summit 2026 in Mumbai, moderated by Libin Chacko Kurian of STAT Publishing Group. The discussion explored how demand forecasting, inventory planning and logistics come together to get the right medical device to the patient.

“You cannot put a different size to a different patient,” says Gaurav Bhatia, VP – Global Supply Chain Head, Sahajanand Medical Technologies. With stents spanning 88 sizes, he explains why statistical forecasting, SKU classification, sales and operations planning (S&OP), and clearly defined stock norms are essential. But forecasts cannot be completely accurate. Supply agility, resilience and visibility must support the plan, particularly when an urgent cardiac procedure leaves little time to respond.

For Chirayu Deolekar, Senior Supply Chain Manager, B. Braun Group, availability also depends on securing transport capacity when e-commerce demand fills hubs and warehouses. “We also need to give better prices to patients,” he says, explaining the pressure to keep freight costs under control. He describes how a fourth-party logistics (4PL) partner, digital visibility and regional warehouses helped raise service levels from around 70–75% to nearly 95–96%. The conversation also examines temperature control during airport handovers, data loggers, reefer fleets and the need for better handling knowledge for medical equipment.

This story was originally published by STAT Times. Read the full story at STAT Times →