CAHO launches India’s first structured healthcare supply chain certification

The Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations (CAHO) has announced a transformative leap in the Indian healthcare landscape: the successful launch of India’s first structured healthcare supply chain certification, the Certified Healthcare Supply Chain Professional (CHSCP).

Dr Vijay Agarwal, Emeritus President of CAHO; Dr Lallu Joseph, the President of CAHO; Krishan Batra, CEO of ISM-India and Dr Parag Rindani, Secretary General of CAHO, officially announced the unveiling of the CHSCP programme on April 12, 2026, during the prestigious CAHOCON Chennai.

The ceremony was distinguished by the presence of the Chief Guest, the Former Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu.

The timing of this launch carries profound strategic weight. Exactly one year prior, at CAHOCON 2025 in New Delhi—inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta—CAHO introduced the Healthcare Supply Chain Leaders Forum, India’s inaugural platform dedicated to this critical vertical.

To honour these dual milestones, the CAHO leadership has officially designated April 12 as "Healthcare Supply Chain Management Day." Beyond a mere commemoration, this day establishes a necessary annual mandate for the industry. It serves as a formal recognition of the supply chain's direct impact on quality, patient safety, clinical outcomes and sustainability, providing a dedicated platform for the healthcare supply chain professionals.

By institutionalising this day, CAHO reinforces that specialised supply chain expertise is not just an administrative function, but a clinical necessity where efficiency translates directly into lives saved.

The Forum’s progress has been marked by steady and visionary leadership. Following the Governing Council Elections held in March 2026, Dr Chandran Vinoth Kumar has been re-elected as Chairperson of the Healthcare Supply Chain Leaders Forum. Dr Kumar has been instrumental in the Forum’s rapid evolution, having steered the initiative as its Inaugural Chairperson since its inception on April 12, 2025.

Under his leadership, the Forum has established a formidable presence across the country through a robust network of state, zonal, and city representatives. This influence has further expanded into neighbouring regions and international territories, including Nepal, Malaysia, and the GCC, positioning the Forum as a regional powerhouse for supply chain excellence. His continued tenure ensures a seamless transition from foundational advocacy to the implementation of global professional standards.

The CHSCP certification is the result of a strategic partnership between CAHO and ISM-India (an affiliate of the Institute for Supply Management, USA, the world’s oldest and largest supply management body).

This programme has been curated to:

• Professionalise the healthcare workforce through globally benchmarked, specialised training.
• Drive the transition toward value-based procurement and clinical integration.
• Foster resilient and sustainable supply chains capable of navigating the increasing complexities of the modern healthcare ecosystem.