Given the shortage problems, in Mexico there is an opportunity to adopt a model for the supply of medicines and medical supplies based on artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced data analytics, which in other countries has shown efficiencies in deliveries.
“In addition to planning, AI applied to logistics allows designing more efficient distribution routesreduce waste due to expiration and monitor the cold chain in real time through IoT (internet of things) sensors,” explained the Public Sector leader for SAS Mexico, Mario Ulloa.
Digital traceability, supported by technologies such as blockchainhe added, guarantees that each batch is tracked from its origin to its final delivery, thereby reducing losses and falsifications of medicines and health supplies.
In countries like Denmark, the application of predictive models based on AI and advanced analytics has helped reduce vaccine shortages by 27% and replenishment times by 35%, even during periods of increased demand.
Frankfurt University Hospital, Germany reduced unused hospital resources by 40%by anticipating flu outbreaks up to three weeks in advance.
Mario Ulloa explained that, in countries such as Brazil, Norway and South Africa, advanced analytics has contributed to reducing shortage emergencies by 30%, generating savings of up to 15% in public purchasing processes and reaching availability levels of 97% in essential medicines in public clinics.
These results were obtained from the integration of clinical, logistical and financial data to anticipate the demand for medicines, plan consolidated purchases and optimize inventories, which allowed health systems to move from reactive supply management to a preventive model.
“The adoption of artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics represent an opportunity for the Mexican government and public health institutions to transform supply management and ensure the so-called “Complete Prescription” for each patient,” according to SAS, a global data analytics company.
The above is relevant, if one considers that between December 2023 and April 2024 the Megapharmacy of Wellbeing attended only 8.5% of the requests received, according to data from the organization Cero Desabasto.
According to the Public Sector leader for SAS Mexico, the adoption of this type of model has also made it possible to optimize distribution routes, reduce losses due to expiration and monitor the cold chain in real time of medications and vaccines.
With an intelligent supply model, each recipe is linked to the available inventory and the logistics necessary to supply it, with the objective of ensure continuity of treatments and reduce dependence on emergency purchases.
