Pharmaceutical Logistics Center Location in the Context of Centralized Medicine Procurement: A Literature Review

Abstract

"Centralized medicine procurement has become common worldwide

to reduce drug prices and expenses. The logistics center is the core of the entire

supply chain. The successful location of a logistics center can accelerate the

efficiency of product distribution, reduce logistics costs, and bring convenience

and economic benefits to both supply and demand. Pharmaceutical logistics

differs from many other industries due to the nature of pharmaceutical products.

This literature review followed the criteria and procedures outlined in the

PRISMA systematic evaluation guidelines. We conducted a content analysis of 57

PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science English papers. And six main research

themes were identified: (1) Centralized medicine procurement; (2) Logistics

center location methods; (3) Pharmaceutical logistics center site selection; (4)

Pharmaceutical intelligent logistics; (5) Green pharmaceutical logistics (6)

Pharmaceutical reverse logistics. Then, each theme's limitations and research gaps

are reviewed and discussed, and finally, a detailed future research agenda is proposed for the 14 specific research themes. This extensive and specific future

research program provides an important opportunity for researchers to contribute

to the location of the pharmaceutical logistics center.