Effect of Pandemic Preparedness on the Supply Chain Performance of Federal Medical Centre Abuja Headquarters, Nigeria

Abstract

Supply chain performance is foundational to healthcare delivery during pandemics, with metrics like availability of essential supplies, procurement lead time, and stockout frequency determining patient outcomes and system resilience. This study examined the effect of pandemic preparedness specifically Strategic Stockpile Readiness (SSPR), Cold Chain Storage Capacity (CCSS), Procurement Agility (PRAG), and Response Training (RETR) on Supply Chain Performance (SUCP) at Federal Medical Centre Abuja Headquarters, Nigeria. Supply chain performance, in this study, is measured through availability and continuity of essential medical supplies, procurement lead time as an indicator of response speed, and frequency of stockouts or service disruptions during health emergencies. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 129 key stakeholders across four critical departments via structured questionnaires. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyze the data, revealing that Cold Chain Storage Capacity (β = 0.393, p < 0.001), Strategic Stockpile Readiness (β = 0.328, p = 0.015), and Procurement Agility (β = 0.214, p = 0.003) all significantly affect supply chain performance, while Response Training (β = 0.022, p = 0.477) had no significant effect. Collectively, these preparedness variables explain 74.5% of the variance in supply chain performance (R² = 0.745). While Response Training was perceived positively, it did not translate into measurable performance gains. This study concluded that infrastructure- and process-driven preparedness is vital to ensuring supply continuity, reducing delays, and minimizing disruptions during crises. Recommendations for FMC Abuja Headquarters include prioritizing cold chain upgrades, expanding strategic reserves, institutionalizing agile procurement frameworks, and revamping training with outcome-focused drills to strengthen overall supply chain resilience.