Cardinal Health

Cardinal Health Headquarters Aerial

Cardinal Health, Inc. is a global, integrated healthcare services and products company, providing customized solutions for hospitals, healthcare systems, pharmacies, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories, and physician offices worldwide. The company operates through two segments: Pharmaceutical and Medical. Cardinal Health was founded in 1971 as Cardinal Foods, a small food distributor in Columbus, Ohio. It has since grown into one of the largest healthcare supply chains in North America.

History

The origins of Cardinal Health trace back to 1971, when Robert D. Walter founded Cardinal Foods, a small food distribution company. The company expanded into pharmaceutical distribution in 1979, marking the beginning of its transformation into a healthcare services company. In the 1980s and 1990s, Cardinal Health grew through numerous acquisitions, expanding its reach across the pharmaceutical and medical products distribution industry. This period of growth solidified the company's position as a key player in the healthcare supply chain.

In the early 2000s, Cardinal Health continued to expand its services and global footprint, entering new markets and enhancing its product offerings. The company has made significant investments in technology and supply chain innovation to improve patient care and reduce costs.

Operations

Cardinal Health operates through two main segments:

Pharmaceutical

This segment distributes branded and generic pharmaceutical, specialty pharmaceutical, and over-the-counter healthcare and consumer products. It also provides services to pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers for specialty drug distribution, medication therapy management, and patient support services.

Medical

The Medical segment manufactures, sources, and distributes a broad range of medical, surgical, and laboratory products. It also offers supply chain services to healthcare providers and laboratories. This segment focuses on improving the cost-effectiveness of healthcare and the quality of patient care.

Corporate Responsibility

Cardinal Health is committed to sustainability and ethical business practices. The company's corporate responsibility initiatives focus on environmental stewardship, responsible sourcing, community engagement, and promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce.

Challenges and Controversies

Like many companies in the pharmaceutical distribution industry, Cardinal Health has faced challenges and controversies, including lawsuits related to the opioid crisis in the United States. The company has taken steps to address these issues, including enhancing its opioid monitoring and reporting programs and participating in industry-wide efforts to combat prescription drug abuse.

Future Outlook

Cardinal Health continues to adapt to the changing healthcare landscape, focusing on innovation and strategic partnerships to meet the evolving needs of its customers. The company is investing in digital technologies and analytics to improve supply chain efficiency and patient outcomes.

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