Unlocking circular economy: overcoming roadblocks to circular healthcare supply chain in Indian healthcare

Abstract

Purpose

The circular economy concept in the healthcare supply chain can demote using single-use devices by reprocessing, reusing or recycling. India is the most populous country in the world and has numerous challenges to implementing a circular economy in the healthcare supply chain. The objective of this study is to identify and analyse the roadblocks to circular healthcare supply chains in the Indian context.

Design/methodology/approach

The contribution of the manuscript is to the healthcare supply chain in adopting a circular economy and prioritizing the roadblocks using Fuzzy FUCOM and Fuzzy Bonferroni Mean Operator. A sensitivity analysis is performed to check the robustness of the results obtained.

Findings

The finding of this study suggests that regulatory roadblock is a more important roadblock in adopting the circular economy in the healthcare supply chain. It is expected that the government should formulate precise and consistent guidelines for the implementation of a circular economy in the healthcare supply chain. In addition, for faster implementation, tax rebate policy should be framed for the industries that are taking the initiative to implement a circular economy in their system.

Practical implications

This study explores and prioritizes twenty secondary roadblocks categorized into five primary roadblocks that will enhance the motivation of healthcare industries to become green and circular and contribute to the sustainability in healthcare sector. The government agencies should also take initiatives to create awareness about the circular economy among all the stakeholders.

Originality/value

This research is beneficial for policymakers, researchers, and industrial practitioners and is recommended based on current findings to facilitate the implementation of a circular economy in the healthcare sector.