Background: This study introduces a novel supply chain management (SCM) model tailored for the hospital industry in Thailand. The model emphasises the integration of third-party logistics (3PL) providers to streamline supply-processing-distribution (SPD) functions. By outsourcing non-core activities like SPD to 3PL providers, hospitals can enhance their operational efficiency, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on core tasks and ultimately improving service delivery. Methods: This research employed a dual methodology, combining an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) with a Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (Fuzzy TOPSIS). These approaches evaluated various SCM models based on multiple hospital logistics performance attributes. Results: The AHP results highlighted on-time delivery, patient safety, utilisation rate, and emergency procurement as critical criteria for selecting the optimal model. Fuzzy TOPSIS analysis identified the SCIII: W-G-H model as the most suitable for implementation in Thai hospitals. This model incorporates a centralised warehouse for negotiation leverage, a Group Purchasing Organisation (GPO) for cost efficiency, and regional SPD hubs for effective inventory management and rapid responses to demand fluctuations or emergencies. Conclusions: Adopting this SCM model is expected to significantly enhance supply chain performance, reduce operational costs, and improve the quality and safety of patient care in Thai hospitals.

This study evaluates the integration of Third-Party Logistics (3PL) within hospital supply chain management under uncertain conditions, aiming to maintain service levels near 100% to prevent drug shortages and enhance patient care readiness. Employing a mixed-methods approach, it combines semi-structured interviews with logistics experts and simulations of four 3PL models for hospital Supply, Processing, and Distribution (SPD), including internal distribution (d), based on actual drug usage data. Results show that a hybrid model, which blends internal oversight with external logistics management, significantly enhances supply chain resilience and maintains optimal inventory levels. However, fully outsourcing logistics raises concerns about external control over internal drug distribution. The study concludes that integrating these 3PL/SPD models not only strengthens risk management but also adapts effectively to fluctuating demand. It offers a strategic framework for tertiary healthcare logistics, emphasizing the importance of aligning 3PL strategies with healthcare needs to optimize patient care outcomes and streamline logistics processes.

The healthcare industry in Thailand has two main sectors: the government and the private sector. The private hospitals focus on providing service quality; it makes the customer satisfaction at high level. As a result, it leads the number and income of private hospitals to increase continuously. Therefore, private hospitals focus on improving both financial and non-financial strategies. For the products, they are the main drivers of the healthcare business which are medicines and medical supplies; both types of products have different handling complexities. For the safety of the patient's life and a competitive advantage, therefore, it is necessary to manage such products effectively and appropriately. This research aimed to develop operational guidelines and inventory strategies including the development and prioritization of indicators for measurement of product performance accurately. This research uses data from directly interview with private hospital experts. For the beginning, it started by reviewing SCM indicators, applying them to the BSC perspective, then prioritizing the BSC perspective and sequence of the performance indicators within each viewpoint. The method of hierarchical analysis (AHP) is applied in both quantitative and qualitative integration which is under the complex context of the SCM system to be able to bring conclusions or strategies to practices. It was conducted through a literature review and confirmed through questionnaires with experts from private hospitals in Thailand. The study found that the most important management aspect is the financial perspective. The most important inventory management performance measurement indicators are medication error, inventory turnover, and management cost.