Multi-objective service supply chain for humanitarian logistics with prioritizing areas in crisis condition

Purpose For the first time, this study aims to define a supply chain of goods and services, including vital medical services and goods based on mobile hospitals, with a focus on prioritizing regions. Mobile hospitals are tasked with providing services to patients in disaster-stricken areas. This service is provided based on the prioritization of the areas. Design/methodology/approach Severe injuries and the destructive effects of unexpected accidents and natural events have made managing unexpected events and treating the injured one of the most important issues. In crisis conditions, the time needed to serve and send relief goods is limited. Therefore, the need to define special conditions for relief to reduce casualties is evident. Findings The problem is modeled in mixed integer mathematical programming with two objectives: minimizing the cost of assistance and the time required to provide services to the injured in crisis conditions. The model seeks to determine the distribution centers, the type and amount of loading of mobile hospitals, as well as the schedule and route of relief in the best service conditions. NSGA-II and MOPSO algorithms have been used to solve the model, defining a new chromosomal structure corresponding to the problem. Originality/value The results show that the NSGA-II algorithm performs better in the problem. A sensitivity analysis has been done on the parameters of the problem, which can help managers and decision-makers make relevant decisions.