A robust optimization approach for blood supply chain network design considering disposal center

Since blood is important in the lives of individuals, it is considered an important product and is among the most important goods in a disaster situation, and the demand for it increases. This paper introduces a blood supply chain network design including temporary facilities, permanent facilities, hospitals, and disposal centers for the outdated blood. To do this a bi-objective model under uncertainty is developed and a robust optimization and goal programming method is used to solve the problem. The model considers a multi-product, multi-period situation with lifetime constraint to be closer to the real-world nature. Since blood and blood products are considered infectious goods, it is important to consider disposal points of expired blood not addressed in the previous studies. This problem considers the disaster situation and applies different scenarios according to the severity of the crisis.

Keywords:

blood supply chain , disposal center , robust optimization , goal programming