Healthcare Supply Chain Capabilities and Universal Health Coverage Outcomes in Kenya: An Empirical Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Abstract

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) has emerged as a central global health priority under Sustainable Development Goal 3, which seeks to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare services without financial hardship. Despite widespread policy commitments, many developing countries continue to face systemic challenges in achieving UHC due to inefficiencies in healthcare delivery systems and supply chains. Healthcare supply chains play a critical role in ensuring the availability, accessibility, and affordability of essential medicines and healthcare commodities required for service delivery. This study examines the influence of healthcare supply chain capabilities on Universal Health Coverage outcomes in Kenya using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Specifically, the study investigates the effects of inventory optimization, supply chain integration, supply chain analytics, and strategic purchasing on healthcare supply chain performance and UHC outcomes. A cross‑sectional survey design was used to collect primary data from healthcare administrators, procurement officers, pharmacists, and supply chain managers across public hospitals in Kenya. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS‑SEM). The results reveal that healthcare supply chain capabilities significantly influence supply chain performance, which subsequently impacts Universal Health Coverage outcomes including service availability, healthcare accessibility, and cost efficiency. Supply chain integration and inventory optimization were identified as the strongest predictors of supply chain performance. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening healthcare supply chain systems as a strategic pathway for achieving Universal Health Coverage in Kenya. The study contributes to both supply chain management and health systems literature by providing empirical evidence linking healthcare supply chain capabilities to health system outcomes in developing countries.