An Analysis of Re-configured Blood Transfusion Network of Urban India to Improve the Service Level: a Simulation Approach.

In India, blood banks are owned by state hospitals, private hospitals, NGOs and private laboratories. The aim of this study is to improve the service levels of the blood supply chain by maximizing the availability and minimizing the wastage of blood. New configuration approaches are adapted from the successful methods of manufacturing sectors. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, whole blood (WB) demand and supply data between April 2015 to March 2016 has been taken. Data analytics tool "R" is used for statistical analysis. Two new configurations, namely a) Zonal Network and b) Pull system models have been developed to compare the existing blood supply chain. The performances of the proposed configurations have been compared with the existing system using suitable indicators computed using Arena simulation software12.0. The total shortage index (TSI) and total wastage index (TWI) are used as indicators of performance measures. Weights are assigned for shortage and wastage indices to the reconfigured models. The pull system model outperforms existing model and zone model by achieving zero wastage. In transfusion medicine, importance is given to the achievement of lesser percentage shortage than wastage. If the WB inventory in blood centers is sufficient enough and we have more than one zone for distribution, then we can reduce wastages level in the blood supply chain.