The first Lynn C. Fritz Medal for exceptional achievements in humanitarian logistics will be awarded at the International Logistics Hall of Fame gala to the US aid organization Medical Corps for its self-developed "Pharmaceutical Information Management System" (PIMS) for managing the last mile of drug deliveries to disaster areas.
The PIMS software provides transparency for the final kilometers of the supply chain of urgently needed medications at 165 locations in disaster areas. Humanitarian organizations, pharmacies, governments, and above all, patients benefit from this IT solution, which saves significant time and provides deep transparency to the supply chain in disaster zones. The system is now successfully deployed at 165 locations in 16 countries. Since October 2019, more than 1.7 million prescriptions have been processed using the software, and approximately three million items have been distributed to those in need.
International Medical Corps solved a key problem for all humanitarian organizations with its software development: the documentation and management of the procurement, tracking, and distribution of medicines using paper forms. Because existing tools were too expensive or unsuitable for use in disaster relief, an interdisciplinary team developed the digital tool using a bottom-up approach starting in 2018.
Because PIMS enables efficient data collection and timely, flexible reporting, its use increases process transparency for physicians, supply chain managers, health authorities, and funders. It frees up more time for medical professionals to focus on their core competency of patient care. PIMS also supports users in quantification, pharmacovigilance, and drug usage monitoring. Another advantage: The tool can be easily adapted to any language and requires neither a permanent internet connection nor a constant power supply.
The Medical Corps team.
The 16-member jury selected the International Medical Corps' software from among all the applications because it was developed "by the sector for the sector and by practitioners for practitioners," as stated in the jury's reasoning. "We were particularly impressed by the bottom-up approach and the interdisciplinary teams that created a cost-effective system that ensures maximum transparency and efficiency in the pharmaceutical supply chain in disaster areas," said Thilo Jörgl, Executive Chair of the Lynn C. Fritz Medal jury.
The jury's decision was influenced by results achieved through the software's use in Jordan, South Sudan, and Yemen: PIMS reduced stockouts and overstocks to less than three percent. Inventory accuracy increased to 99.8 percent in the first month of use, and prescription times decreased from an average of four to five minutes to 41 seconds. As a result, waiting times for those in need were reduced from an average of 85 minutes to 16 minutes.
The dynamic, proactive warning system leads to a 100% elimination of drug interactions and incorrect dosages. Representatives of the International Medical Corps will accept the medal at the Logistics Hall of Fame gala reception on November 29 in Berlin.
On November 29, cube storage pioneers Ingvar Hognaland and Jakob Hatteland will be inducted into the Logistics Hall of Fame. The Logistics Leader of the Year 2023 Award will also be presented, with the trophy going to Axel Frey and Harry Seifert. Representatives of the International Medical Corps will present their project in detail at the Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport that morning. The Ministry will also host the premiere of "ConnectChains – The Humanitarian Supply Chain Conference," which will be attended by international experts from business, academia, aid organizations, and the United Nations.
Thilo Jörgl
International Medical Corps
International Medical Corps operates in approximately 30 countries worldwide, providing medical assistance and training to people affected by conflict, disasters, and disease. At the same time, it lays the foundations for sustainable development in crisis regions. The organization's programs are funded by both public and private sources. Donors include the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Unit (ECHO), and numerous corporations and foundations. The organization is headquartered in Los Angeles and maintains offices in Washington, D.C., London, UK, and Split, Croatia.
The organization employs more than 8000 people and has provided aid worth more than US$4.2 billion in around 80 countries since its founding in 1984.
