Optimizing India’s Medical Oxygen Supply Chain for Pandemics

Abstract

The pandemic situation like COVID-19 worsened the medical situation in India, and the crisis of medical oxygen availability at hospitals in different parts of India has also been a deep concern. In this study, we analyzed the supply chain of medical oxygen from manufacturing units to the needy capital cities of states. A two-mode optimization model has been developed for better planning of transportation and supply of medical oxygen. Various industrial units with a liquid oxygen production facility have been considered as sources while road and rail routes have been considered as modes of transportation. Finally, the oxygen cylinders/tankers are transported by road to hospitals. The mathematical model tries to optimize the route and transport medium, considering various constraints. This paper identifies the challenges in Indian contexts and tries to address them by an optimal, cost-effective, and efficient planning for medical oxygen transportation.