The global medical supply industry plays a vital role in delivering critical products to hospitals, clinics, and healthcare networks. Over the past decade, this sector has expanded rapidly, especially in the United States, which remains the world’s largest medical supply market.

According to report by Grand View Research, the U.S. medical supply manufacturing sector reached USD 231.1 Billion 2020, rising sharply from USD 147.7 billion in 2016. This upward trend is expected to continue, with an annual growth rate of over 5% projected through 2028.

At the heart of this expansion are the world’s largest medical supply distributors. Companies that move products from manufacturer to facility with precision, scale, and regulatory compliance.

Let’s take a closer look at the five most influential medical supply distributors in the world.

1. AmerisourceBergen

Headquartered in Pennsylvania, AmerisourceBergen distributes roughly 20% of all medical products sold across the United States. The company is a key link between pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers, with logistics operations spanning 52 countries.

AmerisourceBergen’s Key Capabilities:

• Distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical devices

• Support for animal health and specialty care

• Partnerships with major industry players such as ASD Healthcare and Besse Medical

AmerisourceBergen’s global infrastructure supports hospital systems, clinics, and specialty pharmacies with scalable, compliant logistics solutions.

2. McKesson Corporation

McKesson, headquartered in Texas, is one of the most established names in medical supply distribution—founded in 1883 as a botanical drug importer. Today, the company employs more than 80,000 professionals and operates in over 16 countries.

McKesson Corporation’s Services Include:

• Distribution of surgical supplies and PPE

• Supply chain management and data technology

• Plasma, gloves, syringes, and private-label product lines

McKesson also supports post-acute care, long-term care facilities, and integrated health systems with custom logistics programs.

3. Henry Schein, Inc.

Known for its global presence in medical and dental markets, Henry Schein is headquartered in New York and operates in over 190 countries—making it the most globally distributed company on this list.

Henry Schein, Inc. Offers

• 120,000+ branded medical products

• Strong specialization in dental and surgical equipment

• Recognized by Fortune for corporate social responsibility

With a workforce of over 20,000 employees, Henry Schein remains a key player in both private practice and institutional healthcare procurement.

4. Cardinal Health

Cardinal Health is both a manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies, serving hospitals, specialty clinics, and outpatient settings across more than 40 countries. The company has dual headquarters in Dublin, Ireland and Ohio, U.S.

Cardinal Health’s Notable Facts:

• Supplies over 75% of U.S. hospitals

• Ranked as the 14th largest revenue-generating company in the U.S.

• Supports more than 20,000 specialty care facilities

Originally a food wholesaler, Cardinal transitioned to pharmaceuticals in the late 1970s and has since become one of the most influential names in healthcare logistics.

5. Pipeline Medical

The newest company on this list, Pipeline Medical represents the next generation of medical supply distribution.

What Sets Pipeline Medical Apart:

• U.S.-based and focused on fast, secure delivery of medical supplies

• Works with top manufacturers to provide procurement solutions for:

  • Hospitals

  • GPOs (Group Purchasing Organizations)

  • IDNs (Integrated Delivery Networks)

  • Government healthcare systems

While newer to the field, Pipeline Medical is already recognized for providing high-volume distribution and tailored procurement support for complex healthcare organizations.

To learn more about how Pipeline Medical supports institutional medical buying, visit our About Page.

Honorable Mentions

While these five companies lead global distribution, others continue to play critical roles in specialized sectors:

• Baxter International Inc. – Known for renal and IV therapy product lines

• Danaher Corporation – A leader in life sciences and diagnostics technologies

• GE Healthcare – Major global force in imaging and diagnostic systems

The rise in demand for diagnostic, surgical, and therapeutic equipment—especially following the COVID-19 pandemic—has only increased the global importance of medical supply networks.

Final Thoughts: Why Global Distribution Matters

Whether delivering masks and gloves or advanced surgical systems, medical supply distributors are foundational to the functioning of modern healthcare. These organizations don’t just move products, they protect public health by ensuring safety, speed, and compliance at every point in the supply chain.

From century-old leaders like McKesson to modern platforms like Pipeline Medical, these companies keep operating rooms, exam rooms, and ICUs equipped for care.

Looking for a distribution partner who understands both volume and compliance?

Explore Pipeline Medical to discover how our logistics solutions support hospitals, GPOs, and public health systems nationwide.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute procurement or clinical advice. Please consult with your supply chain manager or purchasing department for distribution decisions tailored to your facility’s needs.