In Nigeria’s complex healthcare ecosystem, supply chain management for diagnostic materials requires specialized knowledge that most procurement professionals simply don’t possess. This knowledge gap creates a perfect opportunity for laboratory scientists looking to leverage their expertise in a new, impactful way.
I recently witnessed a situation that perfectly illustrates this opportunity: a healthcare supply chain team led by professionals without laboratory backgrounds consistently ordered incomplete testing kits, missing critical components necessary for actual testing. These errors created costly delays and compromised patient care all because the procurement team lacked firsthand understanding of how these products function in practice.
Why Laboratory Professionals Are Uniquely Qualified
Your experience on the bench gives you invaluable insights that translate directly to supply chain excellence:
1. Product Knowledge: You understand exactly what components are needed for functional testing systems—beyond what’s listed in catalogs and package inserts.
2. Quality Assessment: You can evaluate product performance based on technical specifications rather than just price points.
3. Inventory Management: You’ve developed intuitive understanding of usage rates, storage requirements, and shelf-life considerations.
4. Vendor Relationships: You’ve likely interacted with supplier representatives and can effectively communicate technical requirements.
5. End-User Perspective: You understand the real-world impact of stockouts, backorders, and product substitutions.
The Opportunity Landscape
In Nigeria’s healthcare system, supply chain roles exist in:
- Public Health Programs: National disease control programs
- NGOs and Development Partners: Organizations supporting healthcare infrastructure
- Hospital Networks: Centralized procurement systems
- Diagnostic Companies: Local distributors and manufacturers
- Government Agencies: Health ministries and procurement bodies
Many of these positions are currently filled by pharmacists or general procurement specialists who, despite their valuable expertise, may lack the specialized knowledge of laboratory operations.
The Skills You Need to Develop
Building on your laboratory foundation, focus on developing:
- Procurement Procedures: Understanding tendering processes and contract management
- Inventory Management Systems: Familiarity with software and forecasting methodologies
- Data Analysis: Quantitative skills for demand planning and performance monitoring
- Logistics Knowledge: Understanding distribution networks and cold chain management
- Regulatory Compliance: Import regulations and quality assurance for medical products
Real-World Success Stories
I know several laboratory scientists who have successfully made this transition:
- A former hematology specialist now manages blood product supply chains for a network of hospitals
- A microbiologist oversees procurement for a national tuberculosis program
- A general medical laboratory scientist developed a distribution company focused exclusively on laboratory supplies
What these professionals share is their ability to bridge technical understanding with operational efficiency, a combination that’s increasingly valuable in our healthcare landscape.
Taking the First Step
If this path interests you, you need to:
1. Volunteer to assist with inventory management in your current laboratory
2. Research supply chain certification programs (many are available online)
3. Connect with professionals in healthcare procurement through LinkedIn
4. Look for entry points through laboratory vendor organizations
5. Apply for assistant or coordinator roles to build specific experience
Remember: Your laboratory knowledge isn’t a limitation—it’s your unique advantage in this field.
Have you ever been frustrated by supply chain issues in your laboratory? Those frustrations point to opportunities where your expertise could make systems better!
Your move!
Written with love,
Nancy.
