Integrating Environmental Sustainability into Healthcare Supply Chain Management: A Triple Bottom Line Framework for Enhanced Efficiency, Resilience, and Ecological Responsibility

Healthcare systems face increasing pressure to balance environmental responsibility, operational efficiency, and resilience to disruptions. While prior research has examined sustainability and resilience in healthcare supply chains, these dimensions are often treated separately, resulting in fragmented strategies. This study develops a conceptual framework for a Sustainable Healthcare Supply Chain (SHSC) that integrates sustainability, efficiency, and resilience within a unified model. Drawing on the literature on sustainable supply chain management, circular economy, and healthcare operations, this study proposes that sustainability-oriented practices, particularly circular economy initiatives, can simultaneously enhance cost efficiency and system resilience. The framework positions sustainability as a strategic driver, rather than a compliance obligation. This study advances the theory by conceptualizing interdependencies among key supply chain dimensions and offers practical guidance for healthcare organizations seeking long-term operational viability. Future research is encouraged to empirically validate the proposed relationships across diverse healthcare contexts.