1. The challenges of effective, efficient hospital logistics

According to the secretariat for the modernization of public action, in 2014 the operating cost of central procurement services amounted to more than one billion euros in public health establishments. The central procurement function employs almost 18,500 professionals in hospitals, more than a third of them in the pharmacy. Although logistics is not a healthcare activity, it does contribute to the smooth running of the process. Indeed, good logistics are crucial to the satisfaction of patients and their families, the quality of care and working conditions of healthcare staff, the safety of staff and patients, the environmental impact, and the attractiveness and financial health of a facility.