Multi-Objective Robust Optimization of Blood Supply Planning using Mobile Blood Collection Centers after Earthquakes: A Case of Istanbul

The critical elements of any healthcare system involve ensuring a secure, steady, and well-balanced provision of life-saving materials and products to aid injured individuals. Blood products present challenges due to their perishability, limited availability, and constraints on inventory management. Managing the blood supply chain effectively is imperative to consistently meet demand, especially during disasters. This study aims to develop a robust blood supply plan utilizing mobile blood centers to address uncertain demand following earthquakes. The goal is to minimize the total anticipated supply shortfall and delivery time. To achieve this, we developed a multi-objective robust optimization (MORO) model to tackle the high levels of uncertainty inherent in disaster scenarios. A practical application of the proposed methodology is examined through a case study involving a significant earthquake in Istanbul, focusing on the Avcilar district. The price of robustness is calculated to compare the performance of the proposed deterministic and robust models in achieving their objectives. A sensitivity analysis is also conducted on uncertain parameters to validate the model's reliability. The findings offer valuable managerial insights, such that reinforcement of the main blood center buildings and alternative modes of transportation may help cope with more-than-expected blood demand in major earthquake scenarios.