Risk management in supply systems in Latin American public hospitals.

Abstract

This study analyzes the available scientific evidence on the risks affecting supply systems in Latin American public hospitals. It adopts a comparative regional perspective and proposes practical approaches to address the main limitations identified in the literature. An integrative literature review with a qualitative approach and narrative synthesis was conducted. Academic studies and technical documents on hospital logistics management, operational risks, technology, governance, and supply chain performance were analyzed. The main risks identified were stockouts, overstocking, inventory obsolescence due to product expiration, distribution failures, and rising operational costs. These problems were associated with deficiencies in demand planning, institutional fragmentation, limited process standardization, poor traceability, supplier dependency, budget constraints, and insufficient staff training. The reviewed evidence indicates that integrated information systems, traceability technologies, predictive models, supplier diversification, and continuous workforce training can strengthen inventory control and improve supply chain resilience. The findings highlight the need to develop an integrated risk management model that combines technological modernization, process standardization, coordinated governance, and the professionalization of human resources. The effectiveness and transferability of this model should be validated through empirical studies conducted in different hospital settings across Latin America.