Abstract:
"Centralized medicine procurement has become common worldwide
to reduce drug prices and expenses. The logistics center is the core of the entire
supply chain. The successful location of a logistics center can accelerate the
efficiency of product distribution, reduce logistics costs, and bring convenience
and economic benefits to both supply and demand. Pharmaceutical logistics
differs from many other industries due to the nature of pharmaceutical products.
This literature review followed the criteria and procedures outlined in the
PRISMA systematic evaluation guidelines. We conducted a content analysis of 57
PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science English papers. And six main research
themes were identified: (1) Centralized medicine procurement; (2) Logistics
center location methods; (3) Pharmaceutical logistics center site selection; (4)
Pharmaceutical intelligent logistics; (5) Green pharmaceutical logistics (6)
Pharmaceutical reverse logistics. Then, each theme's limitations and research gaps
are reviewed and discussed, and finally, a detailed future research agenda is proposed for the 14 specific research themes. This extensive and specific future
research program provides an important opportunity for researchers to contribute
to the location of the pharmaceutical logistics center.
